To protect citizens from rising cyber threats, Wake County, the City of Raleigh, and the Town of Cary are teaming up to offer free cybersecurity workshops for October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month. These events aim to educate and protect two groups often targeted online: senior citizens and small businesses. In 2023, an alarming $3.4 billion was stolen from Americans aged 60 and older, while 41% of small businesses faced cyber-attacks, according to the Wake County.
According to an announcement from Wake County, Shinica Thomas, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, emphasizes the pressing need for these workshops, stating, "We know that cybercrime is a growing concern, especially for our seniors and small business communities." The alarm raised across the digital landscape aims to guide the vulnerable into a roadmap of cybersafety, helping them navigate the complex online world with greater awareness. Interested participants can reserve a spot at wake.gov/cybersecurity, but they need to register first.
Seniors can look forward to a session organized in partnership with AARP named "Secure Our World: Staying Cybersafe in the Digital Age," a comprehensive initiative aims to empower active adults who want to strengthen their online presence. The workshops provide practical knowledge to help outsmart cyber thieves. These essential sessions are scheduled for October 11 at the Five Points Center for Active Adults in Raleigh and on October 28 at the Wake Technical Community College South Campus Conference Center.
For small businesses, the partnership with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency presents an opportunity to hammer out a more secure online strategy. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are invited to workshops that will take place on October 16, at the Central Pines Regional Council in Durham and October 17, at Cary Founded. City of Raleigh Chief Information Security Officer Marina Kelly shared the community spirit behind the initiative with Wake County News, asserting that, "Helping our residents and businesses be more cyber aware and secure helps not only to defend them from attacks, but also helps make our towns, cities, and county more secure. We are all in this together."
As the internet becomes increasingly part of daily life, cybersecurity is a concern that affects everyone, regardless of age or business size. Dustin Baptiste, Cary Chief Information Security Officer, emphasizes the need to adapt to evolving risks. As reported by the Wake County News, Baptiste said, "As a tech-forward community, our responsibility is to ensure that cybersecurity is not just a layer of protection, but a foundation of trust." His advice aligns with FBI guidelines, which recommend keeping systems updated, being cautious on public networks, and using multi-factor authentication, among other strategies, to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
