October 8, 2025 –Governor JB Pritzker has declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Illinois, encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves from online threats. The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) offers free tools and resources to help individuals stay safe in an increasingly digital world.
DoIT officials stress that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, not just for IT professionals. Jason Bowen, the state’s Chief Information Security Officer, emphasized that basic actions — such as using strong passwords and being cautious about suspicious links — can significantly reduce risk.
To help residents, DoIT has shared key safety tips:
- Use two-factor authentication on accounts.
- Create long, unique passwords with a mix of characters.
- Keep software and browsers updated.
- Be alert for phishing scams and fraudulent messages.
- Monitor bank and credit accounts for unusual activity.
The initiative aligns with a broader effort to raise awareness and improve digital safety practices across Illinois.
For more tips and resources, visit www.ready.gov/cybersecurity or doit.illinois.gov.
