DoIT Recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is reminding residents of ways to avoid cyber risks.

“Electronic devices keep us connected to the world and provide a gateway to many essential services,” said DoIT Secretary & State CIO Jennifer Ricker. “By utilizing cybersecurity best practices and maintaining awareness of malicious cyber techniques, residents can better protect their personal information online.”

How can I keep my data safe?

• Password protection is the single most important thing you can do to keep your data safe.
• Use a unique password for each account.
• Do not include your name, your kids’ names or pets’ names in any password.
• Avoid using known information about you in your passwords.
• Use a combination of upper and lowercase characters.
• Keep your Internet browser and operating system up to date with the latest versions.
• Be cautious about any online offers.
• Monitor your online bank and credit accounts for unauthorized or suspicious spending.
• Talk with your family about the importance of cybersecurity.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a technique used to get your personal information by email, websites or phone. Phishing is an attempt to dishonestly gather personal information from you or to install malicious software on your device.

To avoid becoming a victim of phishing:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
• Delete emails asking for personal information and block the sender.
• Do not visit websites that may attempt to install malicious software.
• Never give personal information to anyone over the phone or online.

For more cybersecurity tips, visit www.ready.gov/cybersecurity.

Attachments

• DoIT Recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month

AdventHealth Mission Clinic

AdventHealth will be hosting our Mission Clinic on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gymnasium at Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs. They’ll be offering free healthcare services and referrals to local social service resources to those in need. This event is intended for individuals and families who cannot afford healthcare services.

To see the flyer in Spanish, click here.

Wendell Phillips Academy unveils new gym

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“This project is very special to us all, and the community at large, as this is a one-of-a-kind investment in a community that has been historically underserved,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Phillips Academy was named as one of the best high schools in our state for athletics, and this newly-built facility will more adequately fit the needs of its students and staff.”

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Hunter was joined by Florence Mason, Director of the South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force; partners Walonza Lee, Program Director Office of Substance Use Chicago Department of Public Health, and Livia Verklan Mcinnes, GIS Analyst for the Chicago Department of Public Health; and La Shaun Rickman, Executive Director of Brighter, Behavior, Choices Inc., where the press conference was held.

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