October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2026
Contact:
Office of Public Information
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is joining national partners like CISA in promoting this year’s theme: “Securing the Next 250.” This effort highlights the importance of building strong cybersecurity habits that will protect Floridians for generations to come.
"In the digital age, security begins with awareness. Protect your data like you protect your home—lock your devices, guard your passwords, and never open the door to strangers online," said FDLE’s Cyber Crimes Technology and Communications Division Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Mike Duffey.
Since technology evolves rapidly in today’s digital age, maintaining a secure and robust online presence can reduce the risk of online users becoming victims of cyber criminals. Implementing a proactive and multi-faceted approach to online safety can help safeguard your personal and organizational data.
Recognize phishing scams:
Scammers use phishing emails or text messages to trick the recipient into providing their personal or financial information through a malicious link or attachment. Citizens can be subjected to fraud scams or downloading malicious software through phishing scams. There are several ways to identify phishing scams. A phishing e-mail or text message may have an urgent or threatening tone, claiming the recipient must click on the link immediately to pay a fee to avoid punishment. A scammer claiming to be from large corporations may send messages that include multiple spelling and grammar mistakes. Common phishing emails may include the subject line: “security alert”, “update your information”, “account suspended”. Citizens can protect themselves by setting security filters to include known senders. Citizens should not click on unsolicited, suspicious links or attachments in e-mails or texts.
Use strong passwords:
Strong passwords are a simple but powerful way to block criminals from accessing your accounts through guessing or automated attacks. Avoid common patterns including personal information such as birthdays, addresses or pet names. Never reuse your passwords or share them with anyone. The safest passwords to use are unique, with a random string of letters, numbers, and characters, with at least 16 characters.
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and a password manager:
MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords and can stop criminals even if a password is stolen. MFA may require a text code, authenticator app, fingerprint scan, or a security key before granting access.
A password manager can further strengthen your accounts by generating and storing strong, unique passwords for every website or app. Using a password manager reduces the chance of password reuse and makes it easier to manage long, complex passphrases securely.
Update software:
Updating software on your computer and mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, is one of the easiest ways to help citizens stay protected from security threats. Conduct operating system updates as soon as they are available or set your device to perform automatic updates.
Be cautious with mobile apps:
Parents can help keep children safe online by making sure apps and devices are set up securely before use. Many apps request access to contacts, photos, location, or other features they may not need.
Parents can learn more about setting up safe device and app controls by consulting mobile phone and online safety tips on SecureFlorida.org or contacting their cell provider.
Protect your cryptocurrency accounts:
Criminals increasingly target digital wallets through fake investment opportunities, phishing, and scams. On the rise are new cryptocurrency scams that claim your money will be used for “AI processing”. Law enforcement in Florida does not take cryptocurrency as payment for warrants and missing jury duty. These scams often pressure victims to send money to unfamiliar platforms using high pressure sale tactics.
Use AI tools safely:
Generative AI, chatbots, and automated tools can be helpful, but they may collect the information you enter or be misused in scams. Never share personal, financial, or work‑related information with AI tools, and make sure to confirm any AI‑generated results since they can be wrong or misleading. Criminals are also starting to use AI-themed fraud, urging people to invest cryptocurrency claiming funds will buy hardware or infrastructure to power artificial intelligence (AI) processing.
Visit FDLE’s Secure Florida website for more information and tips to keep yourself, your family and your business safe at SecureFlorida.org.
Secure Florida is an initiative of the FDLE’s Cyber Crime Technology and Communications Division. The Cyber Division’s mission is to establish and protect technological and telecommunication systems in support of criminal investigations.
FDLE will highlight different safety strategies, cybersecurity tips and training opportunities during Cybersecurity Awareness Month through the FDLE’s Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn websites.
###
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
