CFO Jimmy Patronis Recognizes October as Cyber Security Awareness Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis recognizes the month of October as Cyber Security Awareness Month and offers cyber security tips to keep you, your family, and your business safe from potential scam artists, hackers and fraud.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Technology is the way of the future. As a ‘techie’ myself and the father of two boys, I understand the importance of keeping a close eye on internet activity and ensuring that our home network stays safe and secure. The internet is a wonderful thing, but stay alert and keep all of your electronic devices updated to ward off potential predators who want nothing more than to steal your identity, obtain your banking information, or perhaps worse. I tell my boys all the time to be careful what you share and what you click on while online. Keep strong passwords, and if you’re a parent, ensure your parental controls are tight and full proof. As the holidays approach and you spend more time shopping on the internet, please remember to exercise your best judgement and stay aware of hazards and scammers online. With the advent of A.I. and ChatGPT, it is very easy to mimic loved ones, friends, or businesses in order to obtain private information about you and your family. Don’t let the best time of the year become the worst time of the year because you didn’t take the simple yet necessary precautions to place a firewall between you and the ghouls and grinches who want to haunt your holidays and steal your piece of mind.”

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following cyber security tips:

• Lock down your login. Ensure passphrases for each account are lengthy, unique, and safely stored. Enable 2-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it.

• Update your system and software. Updating to the most current software, web browsers, and operating systems are some of the easiest and fastest ways to protect your most sensitive assets.

• Back it up. Protect your personal and workplace data by making electronic copies – or backups – of your most important files. Use the 3-2-1 rule to help guide you: 3 backup copies, two different media types, and one offline in a separate location.

• Clean up your online presence. When did you last use all the apps on your phone or tablet? Do you know the settings on all social media accounts that check in with friends and family? Check up on all your accounts. Then, control your role by ensuring you know who has administrative access to your accounts. Keep all of your passwords private.

• Be careful what you share. Quizzes on social media are fun, and keeping in touch is necessary. However, questions on social media might give away too much information about you, your location, or your family.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).