Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 2, 2025

Safeguarding Municipal Systems Together

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to elevate the importance of digital safety across municipal operations. At NLC-RISC, we’re committed to helping municipal risk pools strengthen their cyber resilience through practical resources, expert-led training, and peer-driven insights. Together, we can build a culture of cybersecurity that protects public systems, sensitive data, and community trust.

Join us as we celebrate the Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 theme: Building a Cyber Strong America. This theme highlights the need to strengthen the country’s infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and security.

You can help by taking these four essential steps:

Update software: Install updates promptly on all devices. Don’t click “Remind me later.” Updates patch vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible.
Use strong passwords and a password manager: Create passwords that are at least 16 characters, random (mixed case letters, numbers, symbols), and unique for every account. Use a password manager to generate, fill, and remember them for you.
Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible: MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Use it everywhere it’s offered, and choose the most secure method available, such as a passkey or authenticator app.
Recognize and report phishing: Stay alert for suspicious messages. Always verify the sender before clicking links or opening attachments. If you spot a scam, use the platform’s “Report Phishing” tool.