The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners meeting on October 2, 2025, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity awareness as part of the annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Amber Wallace, the DTI security manager, presented this year's theme, "Stay Safe Online," which is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting effective online safety practices.

Wallace emphasized the significance of adopting four essential habits, referred to as the "core 4," to enhance personal and organizational cybersecurity. The first recommendation is to use strong passwords and consider utilizing a password manager. Strong passwords should be long, unique, and complex, making them difficult for attackers to guess. Wallace suggested creating passwords using a combination of unrelated words, numbers, and symbols to improve security.

The second habit is enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile device. This practice is particularly crucial for securing email and financial accounts.

Recognizing and reporting scams is the third recommendation. With phishing scams on the rise, Wallace noted that global losses reached approximately $3.5 billion in 2024. Although Kansas is one of the least affected states, residents are urged to remain vigilant and verify unexpected communications through direct contact.

Lastly, Wallace advised keeping software updated, as updates often include critical security patches. Enabling automatic updates on devices can help maintain security and protect against potential threats.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to foster a safer digital environment for the community. By adopting these practices, residents can contribute to a collective effort to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protection. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month progresses, the county encourages individuals and organizations to take proactive steps in safeguarding their digital lives.