PIERRE, S.D. (9-30-26) — Governor Larry Rhoden has proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in South Dakota, underscoring the essential role cybersecurity plays in safeguarding the state’s infrastructure, economy, and residents.
The state remains dedicated to identifying, defending against, and responding to threats that could compromise the safety and privacy of individuals or the broader public. As digital technology continues to support vital services across every corner of South Dakota, protecting our cyber landscape has become a collective responsibility shared by all.
“In our technology‑driven world, cybersecurity has evolved far beyond a back‑office function – it is a strategic cornerstone woven into every process, service, and decision we make,” said Neal Nachtigall, Commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Technology. “As we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re reminded that safeguarding our IT infrastructure is fundamental to protecting our people and our mission. By practicing secure habits every day, we strengthen the resilience of our state and ensure it remains safe, reliable, and prepared for the future.”
This year’s campaign theme is “Don’t Make It Easy for Them”. Cybercriminals succeed most often when people skip small safety steps, so implementing secure habits is of utmost importance. Cybersecurity is not about making a single perfect choice, but about a series of daily choices that collectively make it harder for attackers to succeed.
“This year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is about acting deliberately and refusing to make things easy for our adversaries,” said Johnathan Hampe, Chief Information Security Officer for the Bureau of Information and Technology. “In today’s elevated cyber threat environment, practicing security fundamentals isn’t optional; it’s essential. Protecting South Dakota in the cyber domain requires commitment from all of us, not just during Cybersecurity Awareness Month but every day of the year.”
To avoid such threats, the citizens of South Dakota are reminded to:
- Use strong passphrases;
- Utilize a password manager;
- Recognize and report phishing attempts;
- Never enter private personal information in AI tools; and
- Verify requests for private information; even if the request is from a known source.
For more information, please visit https://staysafeonline.org/resources/online-safety-privacy-basics/.
— From the Office of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden
