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October is Cyber Security Awareness Month!

Release Date: 2024-10-03

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 2024 will mark the 21st Cyber Security Awareness Month.

“Be a Cyber Security Reporter,” is this year's theme for Cyber Security Awareness Month. This October, the aim is to raise awareness about the importance of cyber security nationwide and to encourage everyone to become cyber security reporters—active agents with the knowledge and confidence to report suspicious online activity. Below are four simple strategies the City of Long Beach recommends that every individual can take to stay safe online. These actions should be practiced not only during Cyber Security Awareness Month but every day.

1. Reporting Suspicious Emails: Reporting suspicious emails is crucial for securing your personal network from malicious attacks, especially with the many new phishing techniques that emerge each day. Users need to stay vigilant regarding the signs of phishing and learn how to respond effectively. Most email service providers like Microsoft and Google offer built-in Phishing email and Spam buttons to press when you encounter a suspicious email.

2. Proceeding with caution when using AI: Generative AI (Gen AI) tools are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly popular within our organization to facilitate a variety of tasks. While these tools can assist us in our day-to-day work, they also pose serious security, privacy, and bias risks that we need to understand. Read more about the City’s Generative AI Guidance.

3. 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 or what to do when you come across an unknown USB drive can help protect you and your work environment. Remember, don’t pick-up an unknown device and never plug it into your computer or device. Dispose of any unknown USB drives you may come across and try to avoid using USB drives.

4. Choosing Stronger Passwords: The City is taking proactive steps to enhance our Cyber Security standards by implementing stronger password requirements within the City and you should too. These enhancements are designed to ensure the protection and integrity of our Information Technology Systems, providing City of Long Beach employees with a secure and reliable work environment. During Cyber Security Awareness Month, we will send City staff weekly email messages to emphasize this year's theme and encourage City staff to continue being active agents in maintaining personal, organizational, and our community’s cyber security by being "Cyber Security Reporters."

We don't just want our community to be aware; we want Long Beach residents to actively participate, learn, and protect their technology and data. Our community’s active involvement is crucial in this journey.

Learn how you can become a “Cyber Security Reporter” by reading up on the latest resources and gaining the knowledge you need to report suspicious activity.

Cyber Security Resources

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.