October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
Every year in October, the Technology & Innovation Department (TID) participates in Cyber Security Awareness Month. Since 2004, October has been celebrated as Cyber Security Awareness Month—a collaborative effort between the government and the technology industry to raise awareness about cyber security and encourage public action to reduce online risks. October 2025 will mark the 22nd Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Spot the Pattern is the theme for this year’s Cyber Security Awareness Month. This October, Cyber Security Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of cyber security nationwide and encourages us to become more aware of the different patterns of attacks, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to spot suspicious online activity. 2025 marks the 22nd annual Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this year, the City’s awareness program encourages every individual to be aware of these topics to stay safe online. We should all take these actions not only during Cyber Security Awareness Month, but every single day.
Read up on the following cyber security strategies to stay safe online:
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Handling Unknown USB Drives/Devices Carefully: USB drives have been used for many years to store and transfer data, but they can also pose a threat if they come from an unknown source that may contain malicious malware. Knowing how to protect your USB drive data and what to do when you encounter an unknown USB drive can help safeguard you and your work environment.
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Generative AI (Gen AI): Gen AI) tools are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly popular within our organization to help accomplish a variety of tasks. These tools can assist us in our day-to-day work, but they also pose significant security, privacy, and bias risks that we must understand. Read more about the City's Generative AI Guidance.
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Phishing, Smishing, and Quishing: Smishing and Quishing have become increasingly prevalent as alternative methods to phishing, especially with the widespread use of smartphones these days. Furthermore, many phishing emails have become more aggressive and sophisticated with the increased use of AI. The use of QR codes, texting or even the use of AI has made life more convenient, but it has also made us more susceptible to being an attack vector. Given the various forms that phishing can take, users need to become more aware of phishing patterns and learn how to respond effectively. Check out this short video on suspicious emails!
Each of us has a role to play in defending against targeted social engineering attacks. This campaign provides valuable resources and tips you can use to better protect yourself at work and at home.
Cyber Security Resources
- CISA Cyber Security Awareness Month
- Secure Our World Reporting Cybercrime Tip Sheet
- Secure Our World Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online
- Secure Our World Phishing Tip Sheet
- Secure Our World Passwords Tip Sheet
- Secure Our World MFA Tip Sheet
- Secure Our World Software Updates Tip Sheet
- Secure Our World Using AI Tip Sheet
CISA Services
Cyber Security & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides a secure means for constituents and partners to report incidents, phishing attempts, malware, and vulnerabilities. To submit a report, visit the official CISA website.
Report a Cybercrime to the FBI
If you are a victim of a cyber crime or fraud, please file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) as soon as possible. Crime reports are used for investigative and intelligence purposes.
Visit ic3.gov for more information, including tips and information about current crime trends.
Contact Your Local FBI Field Office
If you need to report an ongoing crime, threat to life, or a national security threat, file a report at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting your local field office.
Questions about the City of Long Beach’s 2023 Network Security Incident?
Please refer to the latest Press Releases.
