Register for Activities Statewide Throughout October 2023

Dover, Del. — It has been two decades since the federal launch of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the past twenty years, cybersecurity protection strategies have changed drastically. In response to the ever-evolving cyber landscape, Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long are providing their support by again proclaiming October as Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This allows resources to be made available to provide free events including informational tables, presentations, workshops, and other activities throughout the State to help Delawareans of all ages to learn how to improve their security posture.  These programs cover topics on Protection (social media security and privacy information), Device Security (hands-on instruction on setting up device security on Android and Apple devices), and Detection (identifying, reporting, and learning about current scams).  Cyber Security Awareness Month will culminate with the 14^th Annual Secure Delaware Workshop on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

“We must learn to protect ourselves in the digital age and it takes all of us to help keep our data secure. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free activities and resources made available during Cybersecurity Awareness Month,” said Governor John Carney. “I want to thank the Delaware Department of Technology and Information for their efforts in educating the public of the risks and keeping Delaware safe from cyber-attacks.”

“We love to see advancements in technology for the convenience to the public and accuracy of data for business uses, but there is always an inherent risk that the technology can be used criminally. We’ve seen recent occurrences of cybersecurity attacks in the news, but much more common are incidents of credit card and identity theft — all of which can have devastating impacts,” said State of Delaware CIO Gregory Lane. “Bad actors only get more sophisticated, which is why it is so important that everyone learns how to protect themselves and stay safe online. Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month events provide opportunities that everyone can leverage to learn to be more vigilant.”

Delawareans of all ages are encouraged to join the events offered throughout October, including the Cybersecurity Awareness Month finale event — the 14^th annual Secure Delaware Workshop. Presented by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) along with the Delaware League of Local Governments, Delaware Small Business Development Center, and the University of Delaware; the 2023 Secure Delaware Workshop provides training for businesses, students, and government employees that work, study, or live in Delaware. This free, in-person event is being held on Tuesday, October 24^th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall and will include two keynote speakers and nine breakout sessions designed to have something for everyone.  Whether you are a student just getting into the field and want to learn more about creating your own cyber range, a business manager concerned with the newest cyber laws and cyber insurance changes, or a long-term IT professional interested in attack simulation, deception technology, or ChatGPT, this conference has something for you.  This event offers the perfect opportunity to network with cyber professionals and technology vendors.

To learn more about cyber events happening in Delaware including Secure Delaware Workshop 2023 with registration information, visit the event page at https://digiknow.dti.delaware.gov/events/. There is no cost to attend any State of Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. Please note that registration is limited for each of the events and final registration to attend the Secure Delaware Workshop closes October 6^th.

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Media Contact:

Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us

About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s (DTI) Broadband Office will host public meetings in early March to share information about major broadband initiatives happening across the state.  Funding for both infrastructure and digital equity will be made available to Delaware through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Delaware is expected to receive approximately $100 million for these purposes.

The public is encouraged to attend one of the following sessions in their area or join online:

• Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30 pm EST at the Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza in Dover
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85382858369
• Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 pm EST at the Georgetown Public Library, 123 West Pine Street in Georgetown
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84859421558
• Monday, March 6 at 6:30 pm EST at the Appoquinimink Community Library, 204 E. Main Street in Middletown
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85768850256
• Tuesday, March 14 at 6:30 pm EST at the Seaford District Library, 600 North Market Street Extended in Seaford
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88166347518
• Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30 pm EST at the Wilmington Public Library, 10 East 10th Street in Wilmington
  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81109379670

Attendees will be asked to participate in a brief survey about their broadband needs and experiences.

More information on the Delaware Broadband Strategy is available at https://broadband.delaware.gov/pages/index.shtml?dc=DelawareBroadbandStrategy. Additional information on the broadband public meetings can be found on the State Public Meeting calendar at https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/#/meeting/74851.

Information on the NTIA BEAD program can be found at https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/grant-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program.

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About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

Media Contact

Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9736 w Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us

October Declared Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Register for Activities Statewide throughout October 2022

Dover, Del. — With recent global breaches and geopolitical cyber-attacks on the rise, Governor John Carney declared October as Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month to highlight the importance of education for citizens and businesses. With our current physical world intertwined with the digital world, basic cyber awareness is no longer an option to fight off bad actors. The disruption of access to financial, utility, or consumer services are no longer simply an inconvenience, but a risk for individuals’ privacy to be exposed and identities stolen.  As a community, we must all be vigilant to protect our own and each other’s digital information.  The Delaware Department of Technology and Information, along with its partners, have developed month-long activities for all ages to bring awareness of cyber threats, protection methods, and response actions. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity to bring more focus and understanding of cybersecurity at different levels from basic to advanced.  In the month of October, ALL Delaware citizens, students, business owners, and employees can participate in various events being offered throughout the State.  These include presentations, educational workshops for seniors, on-site expert events, and conferences. As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, DTI is also hosting our 13^th Annual Secure Delaware workshop to provide training for citizens, businesses, students, and government employees. This free, in-person event will be held Tuesday, October 4^th from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall. All activities and information on how to register can be found on DTI’s award-winning cyber website DigiKnow.Delaware.gov.

“It is more important now than ever for everyone to educate themselves on how to stay safe online and protect your data,” said Governor Carney. “To highlight the importance of education and awareness I have proclaimed October as Delaware Cybersecurity Awareness Month. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free events available to safeguard your information and help keep Delaware secure.”

“Bad actors are working 24/7 to deceive people into providing sensitive information or gain access to critical data. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime generates a profit of over $6 trillion and is expected to grow to $10.5 trillion by 2025,” said CIO Jason Clarke. “With Governor Carney’s support, DTI has planned multiple events throughout the State during the month of October, including our annual Secure Delaware Workshop scheduled for October 4th. This is the premier cyber event in Delaware where attendees can learn more about cybersecurity and identity protection, as well as speak directly to cyber experts.  We encourage any Delaware resident, student, or employee to join us.”

While events are planned for all month, the 2022 Secure Delaware Cyber Workshop is an opportunity to come together for all-day cyber training and access to top cyber-protective vendors.  Industry experts will be on-site to provide presentations and discussions related to the current landscape of cyber threats and related security mitigating strategies. The conference will include three keynote speakers, cyber students’ award ceremony, and choice of twelve unique cyber topics split into breakout sessions. Topics will range from current threats, newest cyber legislation, to the Anatomy of an Attack, and cyber protection strategies.  Attendees will view presentations, network with other cyber professionals, and connect with vendors. These presentations will be made available post-event on the digiknow.delaware.gov website. The event is a partnership made available by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information, Delaware League of Local Governments, Delaware Small Business Development Center, JP Morgan Chase, and the University of Delaware.

To learn more about the cyber events happening in Delaware including Secure Delaware Workshop 2022 and registration information, please visit the event page at https://digiknow.dti.delaware.gov/events/. There is no cost to attend any of the State of Delaware’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. Please note that registration is limited for each of the events and final registration to attend the Secure Delaware Workshop closes September 9.

For a complete list of other Delaware Cyber Security Awareness Month activities, please visit the events calendar at DigiKnow.delaware.gov.

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About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

Media Contact:
Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9736
Christina.Dirksen@state.de.us