LANSING, Mich. -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October 2023 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage families and businesses around the state to educate and protect themselves from the constantly evolving threats in the digital environment. According to the FBI, U.S. residents and businesses have lost more than $10.3 billion to cybercriminal activities.

“I am committed to helping Michigan residents, visitors, and business owners stay safe online,” said Whitmer. “Good cybersecurity practices protect Michiganders and their sensitive information from bad actors and grow opportunity and prosperity for our communities. October is the perfect time to make sure you are taking the steps necessary to protect yourself and your information in digital environments. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I encourage every Michigander to be cyber smart.”

The governor's proclamation marks the 13th straight year that October has been recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Michigan. Throughout the month, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan State Police (MSP) will be sharing information and tips to help Michiganders safely operate online.

Michigan supports the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign, a national public awareness initiative aimed at increasing the understanding of cyber threats and empowering the American public to be safer and more secure online, during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

“Bad actors threaten cyber safety daily,” said Detective 1st Lt. James Ellis, commander of MSP’s Cyber Section. “As investigators, we evolve as the criminals do to ensure we’re building a Michigan where everyone feels safe and secure. We encourage our residents to remain aware and prepared.”

The Michigan Cyber Command Center was established in 2013 to enhance and protect Michigan's cybersecurity ecosystem, with specific emphasis on prevention, response, and recovery from cyber incidents. The center is responsible for the coordination of efforts for emergency response during critical cyber incidents in Michigan. The Cyber Command Center can be reached at 877-MI-Cyber.

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, Michigan will host the 12th annual Michigan Cyber Summit. This event brings together experts from across the country to discuss the latest cybersecurity issues impacting business, education, information technology, economic development, law enforcement, and personal safety. The event will also showcase the final round of the eighth annual Governor's High School Cyber Challenge, designed to highlight the skills of the next generation of cyber professionals in information technology, computer science, and cybersecurity. The Cyber Summit is open to the public, registration  information and the agenda is available at Michigan.gov/Cybersecurity.

Following the Cyber Summit, Thursday, Oct. 19, the State of Michigan will host the first ever Michigan High School Cyber Summit, which is open to all Michigan high school students. This event brings together students from across Michigan to learn about the latest trends and in-demand career opportunities in cybersecurity.

“The Michigan High School Cyber Summit is designed specifically for students and will highlight the exciting career opportunities available to them in cybersecurity,” said Michigan Chief Information Officer Laura Clark. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s work force, and we want to make sure we’re empowering our young people with the information and resources they need to achieve success in high school and beyond.”

DTMB also encourages residents to download the Michigan Secure mobile app, a free, easy way for Michiganders to protect themselves and their loved ones from cybercrime. The app puts power into the hands of the user with a sleek, modern interface that continuously detects and blocks risky links on mobile devices across apps if the user choses to opt-in, warning users about accessing potentially harmful digital environments. Michigan Secure also extends antiphishing capabilities to the Messages app and the Safari browser on iOS mobile devices, protecting users from malicious and risky links, pictures, or videos in text messages and online. Residents with mobile devices running iOS 11 or higher, Android 6.0 or higher, and Chromebooks with Android apps support can download Michigan Secure from the App Store or Google Play. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/MichiganSecureApp.

Michiganders can learn more about how to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses online with cybersecurity information resources, and training by visiting DTMB's cybersecurity resource hub. 

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