As State employees, we share a common goal: To make Minnesota an even better place for our citizens to live. When Minnesota is productive, we all thrive. Yet, over the last few years and especially in 2014 we've seen otherwise strong organizations suffer cybercrime incidents that left them weak and vulnerable. Like these organizations, our state protects valuable information and resources that put us at risk for cybercrime. Never before has the need for strong cybersecurity been so imperative.

However, despite the threats posed by cyber criminals, there is much we can do to feel empowered and safe and most of it starts when we turn on our computers each day. There are many small, simple steps we as individuals can take to ensure the safety of our state systems. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness month, and I invite you to learn more about all the ways you can help keep Minnesota strong.

For a Cybersecurity Awareness event near you, visit the MNIT Services website. Also on the website, you'll find some cybersecurity resources we believe will be good references for you throughout the year.

Cybersecurity is a responsibility we all share, but you are our first line of defense against cyber criminals.

Cybersecurity fast facts:

• Governor Dayton has proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the State of Minnesota.
• A recent study found that at least a third of cyber breaches happen because of employee mistakes in how they handle or link to sensitive data. Many of those errors have ended up as the latest news headlines. In most of these cases, fairly simple steps may have prevented these issues altogether.
• National Cybersecurity Awareness month is sponsored by the U.S Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Multi-State informational Sharing and Analysis Center, the National Association of Chief Information Officers and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.