October 3, 2022 (Saint Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz /mnit/assets/10.01.22%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month_tcm38-542062.pdfproclaims October 2022 as “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” in the State of Minnesota. The proclamation, coordinated with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, reminds Minnesotans about the importance of cybersecurity education and awareness for everyone, including large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, the home user, and anyone who connects to the internet with any device. The need to identify, protect against, and respond to cyber threats grows as critical infrastructure increasingly relies on the support of information systems and technology.

The State of Minnesota is using a whole-of-state approach to protect the information of our citizens, residents, and visitors and keep critical systems running. Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) prevents, monitors, detects, and coordinates with federal and local governments to respond to cyber threats targeting state systems and services.

“We are using every tool available to protect systems and data against rising cyber threats – and Minnesotans can do the same. By learning and practicing the basics of cybersecurity, you can make a huge difference to guard yourself, your company, and your family against cyber risks. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, keep your devices updated, and stay on the lookout for phishing attacks.”

Tarek Tomes, MNIT Commissioner, State of Minnesota CIO

As part of the effort to further expand cyber collaboration across the state, MNIT also helps to implement the Governor’s /mnit/government/policies/security/eo22-20-faq.jspExecutive Order 22-20 on critical infrastructure cybersecurity. MNIT has established a Cybersecurity Task Force to help develop and implement a statewide cybersecurity plan. Appointment applications will be reviewed through Oct. 21. Visit the Office of the Secretary of State’s website to apply.

Throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month, MNIT will also share cybersecurity tips on social media to generate public awareness about staying safe online. MNIT will educate state employees about cybersecurity best practices and reporting procedures through an internal messaging campaign.

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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 2,300 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.