The LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency is proud to announce its participation in
Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a
collaborative effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and encourage
individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to protect their digital lives.
In today’s increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As technology
advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. This year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” focuses
on key behaviors that can help everyone stay safe online, including strong password creation,
multifactor authentication, software updates, and recognizing and reporting phishing attempts.
Director Fred Moore of the LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency emphasized the
importance of cybersecurity awareness. “Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it is a public
safety issue that affects everyone. We encourage all residents, businesses, and community
organizations in LaSalle County to take steps to enhance their cybersecurity practices. By
working together, we can create a safer online environment for our community.”
LaSalle County Emergency Management encourages residents and businesses to follow these
basic cybersecurity tips:
1. Create Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex and unique passwords for different
accounts. Make them long (16 characters); make them random (numbers, symbols,
capital, and lowercase letters); make them unique for each website. Consider using a
password manager to auto-generate strong passwords and keep track of them.
2. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security to your
accounts significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. MFA will send an email or
text message as a second source of validation before granting access.
3. Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly update your devices, apps, and software to protect
against the latest security threats.
4. Recognize and Report Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or messages
asking for personal information or containing suspicious links. Report any phishing
attempts to your IT department or email provider.
To further support these efforts, LaSalle County Emergency Management will post a series of
informative videos and links throughout October to educate the community on best cybersecurity
practices. The tips will cover topics such as identifying phishing scams, securing personal
devices, and protecting sensitive information.
The LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency is dedicated to ensuring the safety and
security of all residents, both offline and online. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an excellent
opportunity for everyone to learn more about safeguarding their digital presence.
For more information about our cybersecurity preparedness and initiatives please download the
LaSalle County EMA smartphone app from your app store, visit the Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency website at www.cisa.gov and follow us on Facebook.