Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has highlighted the importance of online safety during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As part of this annual October event, Bonta offered guidance for both consumers and businesses to bolster their defenses against cyber threats.

“During Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond, I urge Californians and businesses to take online threats seriously,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Don’t wait for a cyberattack or data breach to prioritize your protection – the time to act is now. Whether you’re an individual or a business, digital security is for everyone. In a world that increasingly operates online, keeping data safe is a collective responsibility.”

The 2024 theme, "Secure Our World," serves as a reminder of simple methods to protect oneself from online dangers.

Bonta provided four key strategies for staying secure online:

1. **Use Strong Passwords**: Avoid reusing passwords; instead, create long, random combinations with various character types. Password managers can assist in generating strong passwords.

2. **Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)**: MFA adds an extra layer of security by verifying identity during logins. It's recommended for email, social media, and financial accounts.

3. **Think Before You Click**: Be wary of unsolicited messages seeking personal information and report phishing attempts.

4. **Promptly Update Software**: Regular updates ensure devices have the latest security measures.

Additional resources are available on several websites including those of the California Department of Justice's privacy page, CISA's cybersecurity resources site, and NIST's cybersecurity site.

Businesses are reminded that California law mandates notification if unencrypted personal information is compromised in a data breach.