Gov Justice Recognizes October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Gov. Justice Recognizes October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in West Virginia as Part of Larger National Campaign

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Gov. Jim Justice has proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in West Virginia. This announcement, which comes as part of a larger, national campaign by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security to bring awareness to cyber threats and internet safety measures, encourages West Virginians to take part in the STOP.THINK.CONNECT. ^TM campaign.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is designed to raise awareness and educate public and private sector partners by providing tools and resources needed to stay safe online and increase resiliency in the event of a cyber incident. Gov. Justice signed the Secure WV Act (HB 2452) into law in 2019, and HB 2763, relating to West Virginia cyber incident reporting, earlier this year. Both create the framework for managing cyber security risks and enhancing cyber security in the state.

“Everywhere you look, both in your personal and professional lives, cyber risks exist," said Gov. Justice. “The goal of this campaign is to make sure West Virginians understand how to use the internet more safely in their everyday lives and to ensure all public agencies are familiar with the resources available to them to prevent and respond to a cyber-attack."

The STOP. THINK. CONNECT. ^TM campaign offers simple actions everyone can follow:

1. Stop: make sure security measures are in place.
2. Think: consider the consequences of your behavior while online.
3. Connect: enjoy the internet safely.

You or your organization can become a STOP. THINK. CONNECT. ^TM partner to help with education and awareness efforts. To register and find more information, visit: www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. When everyone takes steps to be safer online, it makes the internet more secure for West Virginia and the nation.

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