WVEMD Recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—The West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) will recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, joining a national effort to promote cybersecurity awareness and encourage proactive digital safety measures to help protect the nation's critical infrastructure, the services that provide power, water, communication, public health, and so much more.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), uniting the public and private sectors to encourage behaviors that reduce online risks. The campaign emphasizes that fundamental actions can make a big difference in defending our nation against cyber threats and protecting our critical infrastructure.

“Cyber threats don't just target large corporations or federal agencies—they impact local governments, businesses, and households here in West Virginia, too," said WVEMD Director GE McCabe. “That's why we're committed to sharing tools and resources that everyone can use."

WVEMD demonstrates its own commitment to cybersecurity through secure systems, compliance with state IT standards, and ongoing staff training. In the field, teams reinforce cybersecurity as part of emergency management—working with local governments and related partners to share resources, promote best practices, and strengthen defenses.

“As an agency, we practice what we promote," added McCabe. “Our staff completes all state-mandated IT trainings, and in the field, we include cybersecurity in preparedness discussions alongside natural disasters and other hazards."

U.S. businesses and government entities that own, operate, or support critical infrastructure are the front line against successful cyber intrusions. This means supporting organizations, including small and medium businesses, vendors, members of the supply chain, technology manufacturers, and others. No matter how great or small—every organization that touches critical infrastructure is vital to ensuring uninterrupted services to America's communities.

This requires critical infrastructure decision-makers to act by:

• Establishing plans and policies that incorporate basic cybersecurity best practices
• Talking to your vendors and partners about their cybersecurity practices
• Using Cybersecurity Awareness Month as an opportunity to engage your entire organization, and your customers or constituents, on the importance of cybersecurity.

Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to follow @WVEMD on social media and visit CISA.gov for free, easy-to-use tools and resources to improve cyber safety.