Be Cyber Savvy-October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs sent this bulletin at 09/22/2014 12:21 PM CDT

For more information contact:         Tod Pritchard, WEM Office:(608) 242-3324     Cell:   (608) 219-4008

For Immediate Release

September 22, 2014 

 Be Cyber Savvy

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

 (MADISON) – Are you, your family and your business safe and secure online? Chances are you or someone you know has been a target by cyber criminals. Governor Walker has declared October as Cyber Security Awareness Month. Throughout the month, the ReadyWisconsin website will feature easy to follow tips that can stop cyber criminals before they strike your computer or mobile devices.

 In 2013, people throughout Wisconsin lost $6.4 million through cyber crimes. The average loss was more than $1900 per victim. Nationwide, more than 260,000 consumer complaints added up to almost $782 million in losses, a 48% increase over 2012. Despite the warnings, thousands of people each year fall victim to cyber scams.

Wisconsin is one of several states encouraging organizations and individuals to practice good “Cyber Hygiene” including:

  • Count: Know what’s connected to and running on your network.
  • Configure: Implement key security settings to help protect your system.
  • Control: Limit and manage those who have administrative privileges to change, bypass or override your security settings.
  • Patch: Regularly update all applications, software and operating systems.
  • Repeat: Set these top priorities to form a solid foundation of cyber security for your organization.

“Just as your mom told you to practice good hygiene by washing your hands before dinner, we all need to practice good cyber hygiene,” said Major General Donald Dunbar, Adjutant General of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Homeland Security chairman. “Taking just a few, simple security steps can protect all of us from many cyber dangers.”

As part of Cyber Awareness Month in October, Wisconsin will host the second annual Cyber Security Summit intended to link business leaders, state and federal partners, and industry experts together to discuss the state’s role in cyber security. The event will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014 in Milwaukee at the Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union.  

You can find information about the Cyber Security Summit at: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov