Gov. Mike Rounds has proclaimed October as Cyber Security Awareness Month and is asking all South Dakotans, including private citizens, business owners, government agencies and schools, to improve their cyber security preparedness.

Cyber Security Awareness Month is a cooperative effort of the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Our computers and the Internet have revolutionized the way we do business, educate ourselves, and conduct our daily lives. We work and shop online and use e-mail to stay in touch with family and friends,” said Gov. Rounds.  “But the convenience of computers also makes them attractive targets for unscrupulous individuals seeking access to vital information about us.  It’s critical that all computer users – whether private citizens, business people, educators or other government employees – secure their computers and take other necessary precautions.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) first established Cyber Security Awareness Month in October 2004 as a way to raise awareness about the need for computer security nationwide.
 
South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications Commissioner Otto Doll says this is the ideal time for cyber security preparedness.

“The purpose of Cyber Security Awareness Month is not to scare people about how vulnerable they are online,” Doll says. “Instead, this campaign is meant to make people aware of the vulnerabilities, to empower computer users, and give them the tools and knowledge to be comfortable using the Internet.”

According to the NCSA, there are eight cyber security practices every South Dakotan with a personal computer should follow:

• Protect personal information. According to a Federal Trade Commission Survey, there are almost 10 million victims of identity theft each year. Before you share personal information, find out how it will be used and if it will be protected.

• Know who you are dealing with online. It’s easy for online scammers to impersonate legitimate businesses. A legitimate business or individual seller should provide a physical address and a working telephone number in case you have problems.

• Use anti-virus software, a firewall and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer secure. You can download anti-virus software from the Web sites of software companies or buy it in stores. Look for software that recognizes current viruses, as well as older ones; effectively reverses the damage; and updates automatically.

• Set up your operating system and Web browser software properly and update them regularly. Don’t share your passwords on the Internet, via e-mail or on the phone. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should never ask for your password.

• Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc, and securely store them in a different building than your computer.

• Back up important files. Lessen your risk of a hacker taking advantage of unsecured Web browsers by changing the settings in your browser or operating system and increase your online security.

• Learn what to do if something goes wrong. Some computer infections may completely destroy files and shut down your computer, while others may only subtly affect the computer’s normal operations. Be aware of any unusual or unexpected behaviors.

• Protect your children online. Implement parental control tools that are provided by some ISPs and are available for purchase as separate software packages. Remember, however, that no program is a substitute for parental supervision.

For more information on cyber security for home users, educators or business owners, visit www.staysafeonline.org
 
The site is sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance, a public/private partnership that is recognized as a central clearinghouse for consumer education and information about online safety.