Share how you and your department are taking steps to #BeCyberSmart and stay secure during  #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth! 

Remember the Facebook data breach in April, the Colonial Pipeline attack in June, or the FitBit data leak in September? 2021 seems to be the year of the cyberattack. Each month brings a new headline and with it comes growing concerns about our digital world. With cyberattacks becoming more common, protecting yourself, your family, and your workplace is more urgent than ever. Thankfully, October is national Cybersecurity Awareness Month! 

For those of us in the world of procurement, we’re experiencing both the joys and risks of an ever-evolving digital work place. States are becoming more and more reliant on cloud-based storage systems, employees are increasingly working from home, and our supply chains are getting bigger and more diverse, especially in light of COVID-19 and natural disasters. All of these changes have their benefits, but they also leave our offices more exposed to cyberthreats. In fact, experts estimate that cybercrimes will cost the world $6 trillion during 2021 alone.  

Seem a little overwhelming? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered by providing plenty of resources to help you do your part in keeping your network safe.  So, in honor of national Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s take a look at some resources that help demonstrate potential cyber risks, explain why cybersecurity is a priority, and provide actual advice on how to keep your workplace secure. 

 1. Through the Years: A Broad Look at Two Decades in Cybersecurity 

This article is a great place to start.  GovTech sought expert advice to better explain what is at stake and why cyber security has become a priority at the state, national, and international level. It provides an overview of the last 10 years and what the next 10 years might hold. 

 2. Cybersecurity + Procurement 

In this recent webinar, Jamie Shorr, CPO of Maine, Leah McGrath, Executive Director of StateRAMP, and Dugan Petty, former NASPO ValuePoint SME, discuss how to improve state and local government security by ensuring contractors have appropriate security controls in place. 

 3. Buyer Be Aware: Integrating Cybersecurity into the Acquisition Process 

Want to take a deeper dive? NASPO and NASCIO share essential steps that state governments should take to ensure cybersecurity is an important part of their acquisition process. 

 4. Cyber Hygiene: Clean Up Your Procurement Act 

The Cybersecurity Alliance shares NASPO’s 4 easy steps for improving your procurement department’s cybersecurity and mitigating risks caused by ransomware.    

 5. CISA’s Toolbox 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) describes the main focus of Cybersecurity Awareness Month for 2021, and they offer a variety of resources on topics such as Telework and Malinformation. 

Still want to know more?

Then, take a look at some of our recent blog posts that spotlight the importance of cybersecurity and how you can take action. 

• Cybersecurity is YOUR Responsibility  

• Improving Cybersecurity in State Procurement 

• The State of Cybersecurity: 3 Bold Plays for Change 

It’s a rapidly evolving world out there. To make sure that your office is staying up to date on the newest strategies for moving forward, make sure you subscribe to Pulse Blog.