MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
(DATCP) recognizes its role in supporting the information systems and technology on which
we are increasingly reliant. One piece of this role includes promoting awareness and
understanding of cybersecurity to businesses and consumers to protect electronic devices and
data from loss, theft, and damage.
To observe Governor Evers’ proclamation recognizing October 2022 as National
Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Wisconsin, DATCP will be joined by the Wisconsin
Department of Administration (DOA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) in
sharing educational materials throughout the month. This year’s theme, “See Yourself in
Cyber,” focuses on steps that individuals and organizations can use to recognize their roles in
digital spaces. Effective cybersecurity practices can protect your personal data as well as the
digital networks and systems we use every day.
“Protecting yourself online can be simple,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski.
“Whether you are securing information for your organization or yourself, there are a few basic
steps you can complete to prevent a compromised account or identity theft. Cybersecurity
Awareness Month is a great reminder to set aside time to protect your online privacy and safety
for years to come.”
“Whether you’re at home, school, or work, cybersecurity affects all of us,” said Maj. Gen. Paul
Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general and the governor’s cybersecurity advisor. “As our digital
and security landscapes continue to change and present new challenges, everyone needs to take
steps to protect their digital lives and not fall victim to cyber criminals.”
“Our personal information is among our most valuable possessions,” said DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld. “In this era of the digital economy, it is imperative to safeguard
that information from bad actors. DOA is proud to partner with DATCP and share resources
that Wisconsinites can use to protect themselves and their digital spaces from cybercriminals.”
DATCP, DOA, WEM, and the National Cybersecurity Alliance and Cybersecurity &
Infrastructure Security Agency recommend these key steps to protect your information this
month:
- Enable multi-factor login authentication on your digital accounts.
- Create strong, unique passwords and consider using a password manager.
- Recognize and report phishing attempts.
- Update your software regularly to optimize performance and minimize security risks.
For additional information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit
DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov. If you have questions
or believe you are a victim of a scam, report it by contacting DATCP’s Consumer Protection
Hotline by phone at (800) 422-7128 or email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
