CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald and the Cuyahoga County Department of Information Technology Security and Research Team today announced new efforts to promote online security and highlight 2014 National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

“It’s critical that we provide constituents with the tools they need to maintain security and privacy on the internet,” said FitzGerald. “I thank our Information Technology employees for their attention to this important issue and their continued work to keep Cuyahoga County families safe.”

The IT security website is also a part of the efforts to offer regionalization of cyber security to municipalities. Regionalization of cyber security would offer municipalities the opportunity to consult with Cuyahoga County’s Department of Information Technology allowing assessment and advice on the current infrastructure and security of their network.

"In support of the October National Cyber Security Awareness month we are rolling out this new IT website that offers up resources for citizens, small business and local governments to gain valuable information on Cyber Security,” added Jeff Mowry, Cuyahoga County Chief Information Officer."

The National Cyber Security Alliance's Top Eight Cyber Security Practices are practical steps you can take to stay safe online and avoid becoming a victim of fraud, identity theft, or cyber crime.

• Tip 1: Protect your personal information. It’s valuable.
• Tip 2: Know who you're dealing with online.
• Tip 3:   Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure.
• Tip 4: Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.
• Tip 5: Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information. 
• Tip 6: Back up important files.
• Tip 7: Learn what to do if something goes wrong.
• Tip 8: Protect your children online.

"As consumers, businesses, banks, governments, hospitals, and others increase their use of e-commerce to interact with each other, so are the scammers around the world," said Cynthia Sich, Director of Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs. “With the help of the Cuyahoga County Information Technology Security and Research Team, residents can now have a sense of security knowing the proper steps and being more knowledgeable on how to help prevent them from becoming a victim of cyber fraud”

To report a computer security incident, phishing, malware, vulnerability, internet scam/crime, financial fraud or a consumer complaint, please visit http://itsecurity.cuyahogacounty.us/en-us/home.aspx.