(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) is recognizing October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The nationwide campaign is a collaborative effort led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) alongside public and private sector partners to educate individuals and organizations about online safety.

This year’s theme, “Securing the Next 250,” highlights the need to strengthen the country's infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and security. This year’s theme focuses on building a secure digital future for America’s next era, aligning with the Freedom 250 celebration. The campaign works to protect America’s security and prosperity by equipping U.S. businesses and government organizations that support the nation’s critical infrastructure with practical information and tools that can help defend against cyber threats. 

“Gone are the days when cybersecurity was just an IT issue. Today, it is an essential part of protecting our communities, critical infrastructure and the services Georgians depend on,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “Taking simple steps to strengthen cybersecurity can help prevent disruptions, and Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an important opportunity to educate Georgians on how to protect themselves, their information and the systems we all rely on.”

The campaign is a call to action for all organizations and leaders who own, operate, supply, or support the vital services we all rely on to step up their cybersecurity. From keeping America’s global competitive edge to ensuring vital services remain available to our citizens, U.S. critical infrastructure and those who own, operate, supply, or support it are the front line against successful cyber intrusions.

Leaders and decision-makers can take action by:

  • Teach employees to avoid phishing scams
  • Require strong passwords 
  • Require multifactor authentication
  • Update software
  • Back up and encrypt data
  • Report cyber incidents to CISA
  • Have an incident response plan and use it
  • Be prepared for system disruptions

To learn more about Cybersecurity Awareness Month and access free tools to protect yourself and your organization, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.