10/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/25/2024 20:55
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR | KIAʻĀINA
NADINE Y. ANDO
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA | HOʻOKELE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2024
PRIORITIZE CYBER PROTECTION THIS OCTOBER DURING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
HONOLULU - Cybersecurity Awareness Month, established nearly two decades ago by the President of the United States and U.S. Congress, serves as a vital reminder for public and private sectors to collaborate in promoting cybersecurity awareness. The state of Hawai'i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is proud to join this initiative by providing resources and tools to help small businesses secure their financial futures, as well as safeguard the security of Hawai'i's consumers.
As reliance on digital communication grows and businesses begin to maintain more detailed pieces of information of their customers, so do the risks associated with storing critical consumer financial and health information electronically. High-profile data breaches have demonstrated that the potential for cybercriminals to disrupt businesses and compromise public safety is alarmingly high. In response, state and federal regulators are intensifying efforts to bolster defenses against these attacks.
These threats can originate from a variety of sources, including nation-states, cybercriminals, even company insiders-both intentional and accidental. Cybercriminals aim to gain political, military, or economic advantages by stealing valuable data, such as credit card numbers, health records, personal identification information, as well as tax returns.
Cyber risks often include identity theft, data breaches, malware, business interruption as a result of a network shutdown, theft of valuable digital assets and business trade secrets, damage to the company's reputation, lawsuits, and costs associated with damage from cyber-attacks.
To help enhance cybersecurity and protect from intrusion, businesses, individuals, and entities are recommended to:
The internet offers unprecedented opportunities to connect with new and larger markets and enhance operational efficiency. Regardless of whether one is adopting cloud computing or simply using email, cybersecurity should always remain at the forefront.
For more resources on internet safety and security, visit https://cca.hawaii.gov/broadband/for-consumers/internet-safety-and-security/.
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Media Contact:
William Nhieu
Communications Officer
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Office: 808-586-7582