ST. PAUL, Minn. (Oct. 1, 2026) — Governor Tim Walz proclaimed October 2026 as /mnit/assets/2026%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%20Proclamation_tcm38-769949.pdfCybersecurity Awareness Month in Minnesota, aligning with the national observance, to highlight the importance of cybersecurity education and awareness for all Minnesotans. 

Minnesota takes a statewide, coordinated approach to protect the personal information of residents, businesses, and visitors while ensuring critical systems remain secure and operational. Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) works with state and local partners and federal officials to prevent, monitor, detect, and respond to cyberattacks and ongoing cyber threats to protect state systems and services.  

"Technology is part of nearly everything we do, making strong cybersecurity habits more important than ever,” said MNIT Commissioner Jon Eichten. “Cyberattacks continue to become more frequent, sophisticated, and targeted, but simple actions can make a meaningful difference. When we stay sharp online, we help protect our personal information, workplaces and communities.”  

Minnesota’s theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, “Stay sharp online: Use strong, safe, smart, secure actions,” highlights how strong cyber habits make a difference in protecting your sensitive data, online accounts, and devices. 

Throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month, MNIT will:  

• Share cybersecurity tips on social media to help Minnesotans spot phishing attempts, safeguard personal information with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, use AI services wisely, and keep your digital life secure.  
• Launch an internal campaign to educate state employees on cybersecurity best practices to prevent identity theft, protect sensitive information, and adapt to new risks as threats evolve.  

Protecting Minnesota’s digital future starts with you. Secure your information and devices to shield yourself, your loved ones, and your business from cyber threats.  

About Minnesota IT Services

Minnesota IT Services, led by the state’s Chief Information Officer, is the Information Technology agency for Minnesota’s executive branch, providing enterprise and local IT services to over 70 agencies, boards, and commissions. MNIT employs more than 2,800 people. Together, we build, maintain, and secure the State’s IT infrastructure, applications, projects, and services. MNIT sets IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards for enterprise IT leadership and planning. We also serve Minnesotans by connecting all 87 counties, 300 cities, and 200 public higher education campuses across the state on the MNET network. Through public-private partnerships, our team proactively protects the state’s information systems and the private data of 5.7 million Minnesotans. 

Previous announcements