North Carolina is shining a spotlight on cybersecurity this October with a dedicated awareness month, as announced by Governor Josh Stein. This initiative aims to equip residents with the necessary tools to fend off online threats and scams, highlighting the growing need for digital vigilance.
“As bad actors find new ways to target North Carolinians online, our state is working to equip people with the knowledge, skills, and resources to safely navigate today’s digital world,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I encourage everyone to stay vigilant and learn how to recognize suspicious activity to protect themselves and their loved ones online.”
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by a recent Federal Bureau of Investigation report, which reveals that North Carolinians suffered financial losses exceeding $431 million to internet crimes in 2025. This figure marks a significant increase from $324 million the previous year, with over $15 million attributed to artificial intelligence-related fraud.
“Cybersecurity is a collective effort, and we all must be vigilant about online safety,” said N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Nate Denny. “We are expanding our defenses against cyberattacks and taking proactive steps to protect state systems and residents’ data in an ever-changing threat landscape.”
The North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) is actively collaborating with various government levels to protect the state’s digital infrastructure. Significant measures include:
- Securing $85 million for cybersecurity investments, comprising $18 million in new yearly funding and $42 million in one-time funding for major cybersecurity enhancements. This represents the largest strategic investment in cybersecurity in the state’s history, with an additional $25 million allocated for system upgrades to prevent service disruptions.
- Creating a five-year cybersecurity strategic plan aimed at protecting the state’s digital assets and ensuring uninterrupted essential services.
- Formulating a strategy to guide state agencies in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, mitigating associated risks.
- Investing in workforce development through a cybersecurity internship program with the Carolina Cyber Network and a military veteran apprenticeship initiative.
- Enhancing public access to technical support, digital skills training, and telehealth resources via the Tech Resource Finder, accessible by calling 211.
Individuals are encouraged to take proactive steps in safeguarding their online presence. Recommended actions include:
- Verify unexpected or unusual messages. Confirm authenticity by contacting the sender through an alternative method instead of replying directly.
- Be careful with links. Only open links and attachments from trusted sources to avoid falling victim to phishing schemes.
- Learn to spot fakes. Scrutinize media that appears overly perfect or unnatural, checking the source before acceptance or sharing.
- Protect your information. Utilize strong and unique passwords, and enable multifactor authentication for enhanced security.
- Update devices and software. Keep devices updated by enabling automatic updates or installing them promptly.
Throughout October, the NCDIT will disseminate cybersecurity tips and resources using the hashtag #CyberSecureNC on social media platforms. Additional guidance on maintaining online safety is available at it.nc.gov/CyberSecureNC.
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