October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Thurston

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) officially proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month during its October 11 meeting.

The board said it recognizes its role in protecting citizens from cyber threats that may impact individual and collective security, saying in its proclamation, "Maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play."

The BOCC also recognized the US National Institute of Standards and Technologies for helping Thurston improve its cybersecurity practices to a "practical approach to addressing evolving threats and challenges."

"Critical infrastructure sectors are increasingly reliant on information systems and technology to support elections, financial services, law, injustice, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, public health, and emergency response systems," said Commissioner Tye Menser as he read the proclamation.

The Thurston County Auditor's Office has partnered with the Information Technology Department and the Commissioner's Office to mount the "Thurston County Cybersecurity Forum."

The forum will provide resources, tools, and training to enhance cybersecurity awareness and improve security to protect critical data and systems.

Thurston County joined the US federal government, the US Department of Homeland Security, the multi-state Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, and the National Cybersecurity Alliance in recognizing October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

To learn more about cybersecurity in homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses, click here.