Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
CANTON -- October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and while the County Information Technology Department issues an annual resolution for the legislature, officials are going a step further this year …
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BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This WeekCANTON -- October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and while the County Information Technology Department issues an annual resolution for the legislature, officials are going a step further this year in warning the public about online threats.
The first Cybersecurity Month was launched in October 2024 by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Department of Homeland Security.
County IT Director Rick Johnson told legislators recently the he hoped to include the public this year, telling officials the 2026 theme is "Don't Make It Easy for Them."
County officials said a handful of practices being promoted this year includes strong passwords and password managers, as well as enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), updating software and recognizing and reporting scams and breaches.
According to IT officials, 95% of data breaches are due to human error, with 46% of all cyber breaches occurring in companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.
"Cybersecurity Awareness Month promotes awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our nation, personally and professionally, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online," officials said.
Other ways to improve cybersecurity includes updating software promptly, including operating system software, browsers and apps.
Recognizing and reporting phishing schemes is also essential.
Residents are encouraged to pause before clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources or emails that cannot be verified.
Sharing personal information via unverified messages is also discouraged, as many phishing schemes can lead to dissemination on the dark web.
Backing up data multiple times is also recommended, with the 3-2-1 method being the preferred method.
Keeping three copies of important files on two separate storage types with at least one copy stored offsite in the cloud is considered the best method to ensure data remains safe.
Securing home and public networks will also ensure data remains safe.
Changing default router administrator passwords and using WPA3/WPA2 encryption at home, as well as not logging into sensitive accounts or using a trusted VPN when on a public Wi-Fi network will also prevent cyber threats.
