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 2026 theme: Securing the Next 250. This theme focuses on building strong daily habits, upgrading infrastructure security, and helping communitie prepare for emerging threats.
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.
Netdiligence Resources
Cyber Incident Response Planning for Public Entities
A cyber incident is not the time to write your response plan. Learn five common incident response planning mistakes and practical steps public entities can take to improve cyber preparedness before an incident occurs.
Cyber Claims Study
Review trends and lessons learned from real-world cyber incidents affecting organizations across the public sector.
eRiskHub
Through NLC-RISC’s strategic partnership with NetDiligence®, members have access to eRiskHub®, a cyber risk management portal offering incident response planning resources, cybersecurity training, business email compromise guidance, and other tools designed to support cyber resilience.
Cybersecurity Awareness month Resources
CISA: Best Practices
CISA: Stay Secure Online
