From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt, in collaboration with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services’ Oklahoma Cyber Command team and the Oklahoma Information Sharing and Analysis Center, has declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, OMES officials said in a news release.
By participating in the annual National Cybersecurity Month campaign, the state emphasizes the critical role Oklahomans play in safeguarding personal data and ensuring the security of the state’s digital infrastructure.
Oklahoma’s approach to cybersecurity is highlighted by the Oklahoma Cyber Command team, which monitors, identifies and responds to cyber threats, officials said. The team protects state data and applications from billions of threats annually, including phishing attacks and advanced persistent threats.
“Oklahoma is proud to be at the forefront of cybersecurity, with one of the most advanced cyber teams in the nation,” said State Chief Information Security Officer Michael Toland. “Protecting our citizens’ sensitive information is a top priority, and during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we remind all Oklahomans to take simple but essential steps to safeguard their personal data and contribute to our state's security.”
Cyber Command works with OK-ISAC, a membership program overseen by OMES that fosters collaboration between public and private sectors to share vital information and best practices to improve cyber resilience at local, regional and national levels.
As cybersecurity incidents rise globally, including the recent CrowdStrike outage that underscored the importance of quick and agile responses to threats, Oklahoma remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting its citizens, officials said. They urged Oklahomans to join the Secure Our World campaign, a national initiative launched by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in 2023.
The campaign promotes four steps that anyone can take to significantly reduce online risks: 1. Create strong passwords or passphrases: Use a password manager like Secret Server, the state’s recommended tool, to generate and store robust passwords.
2. Employ multifactor authentication: Add an extra layer of security by ensuring MFA is enabled on personal and work-related accounts.
3. Update software and systems regularly: Keep all devices and applications up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
4. Identify and report phishing attempts: Be vigilant against suspicious emails and use tools like the Phish Alert Report button in Outlook to report potential scams. “Cybersecurity is not just a government responsibility – it’s a community effort,” said Joe McIntosh, state chief information officer. “Everyone has a part to play in keeping themselves, their families and our state safe online. Together, we can ensure a more secure digital environment.”
To support the mission, Oklahoma businesses, government agencies and other organizations are encouraged to become Oklahoma Champions by pledging to practice good cybersecurity habits. Champion organizations will be recognized on the OK-ISAC website for their dedication to keeping Oklahoma cyber secure. Organizations seeking more information on how to participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month can email the OK-ISAC at okisac@omes. ok.gov.
Oklahomans are encouraged to join the Secure Our World initiative to enhance cyber safety practices at home and work. Visit cisa.gov/ secure-our-world for resources and guidance on securing your family, your business and more.
To report cyber incidents or suspicious activity to OMES Oklahoma Cyber Command, state employees should submit a ticket through the OMES Service Desk. Non-state employees can report cyber incidents like stolen finances, identity theft and other fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission.