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

Malcolm X College is partnering with OEMC to offer an Introduction to Emergency Management course. The course will teach students about 9-1-1 operations, emergency management, traffic management, 3-1-1 city services, and the qualifications needed to become an OEMC employee.  

Malcolm X College is partnering with OEMC to offer an Introduction to Emergency Management course. The course will teach students about 9-1-1 operations, emergency management, traffic management, 3-1-1 city services, and the qualifications needed to become an OEMC employee. One key focus of the course is centered around teaching the basics of 9-1-1 dispatch operations through role play and simulation. For photos of OEMC at work, click here. 

“Taking the OEMC course could lead to an incredible future job,” said Malcolm X College President David Sanders. “Emergency Management is a diverse career-field with a continued projected future job growth and there are a variety of opportunities to serve in all levels of government and in the various sectors, including education, healthcare, and private business. It’s a smart career choice and we are thankful to offer it at Malcolm X College.”

“OEMC is looking forward to the students learning about the work that we do to protect our great city,” said Rich Guidice, OEMC Executive Director. “Our 9-1-1 telecommunicators, 3-1-1 operators, traffic management staff, and emergency managers are all central to maintaining public safety in the City of Chicago.”

The class runs from October 4 to December 1, 2022 and will be held Malcolm X College. Completing this eight-week course could lead to future career opportunities with OEMC!

What should you expect from a potential career at OEMC:

• Great pay with a potential starting salary of $50k with a high school diploma
• Union position
• Room for growth and promotion
• Please note: OEMC job applicants will have to pass a background check and processed through the City of Chicago Human Resources Department.

What to know about the Introduction to Emergency Management course:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Classes are in-person and there are evening classes
• Limited Class Size
• Courses taught by OEMC training staff
• $385* for the course or visit www.edu/futurereadyto see if fee can be waived - *Tuition waived for eligible Chicago residents through the Future Ready Program. The Future Ready Program is open to Chicago residents who meet the requirements.

To learn more about this course and apply visit: www.ccc.edu/oemc or call 773-COLLEGE. Course name is PROFDEV 4386 Introduction to Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC). 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).