October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the City of Fairfield is proud to be a 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion.

Throughout October, the City will share practical cybersecurity information to help residents, families, businesses, and the broader Fairfield community protect their information, accounts, and devices.

The City's campaign aligns with the national themes "Securing the Next 250" and "Don't Make It Easy On Them." Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and small steps can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and those around you.

Recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month

The City of Fairfield will recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a City proclamation, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and encouraging the community to take steps to protect themselves online.

Four Ways to #SecureOurWorld

Throughout October, the City will highlight four simple cybersecurity practices that everyone can use to strengthen their online security.

1. Double Your Defense With Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of protection when signing into an account. Instead of relying only on a password, MFA requires another form of verification, such as an authentication app, security key, or verification code.

Even if a criminal obtains your password, MFA can make it significantly more difficult for them to access your account.

Consider enabling MFA on important accounts, including:

• Email
• Banking and financial accounts
• Social media
• Online shopping
• Cloud storage
• Other accounts containing personal or sensitive information

Take action: Check your account security settings and enable MFA wherever it is available.

2. Upgrade Your Login With Strong Passwords and Passkeys

Using the same password for multiple accounts can increase your risk. If one account is compromised, criminals may attempt to use the same credentials to access your other accounts.

Use long, unique passwords for your accounts. A reputable password manager can help you create and securely store passwords without requiring you to remember each one.

You can also consider passkeys when they are available. Passkeys provide a modern alternative to traditional passwords and can help protect accounts from common password-based attacks.

Take action: Review your most important accounts and replace reused or weak passwords. Consider using a trusted password manager.

3. Spot the Trap: Recognizing and Reporting Phishing Scams

Phishing is a common cyber threat that attempts to trick people into providing sensitive information, transferring money, downloading malicious software, or giving criminals access to an account.

Phishing messages can appear to come from legitimate businesses, government agencies, coworkers, friends, or other trusted sources. They may create a sense of urgency or fear to encourage you to act before you have time to think.

Watch for:

• Unexpected requests for passwords or sensitive information
• Messages demanding immediate action
• Suspicious links or attachments
• Requests for money or financial information
• Unusual sender addresses
• Unexpected or unusual requests
• Offers or warnings that seem too good-or too alarming-to be true

Take action: Don't click suspicious links or open unexpected attachments. If a message seems suspicious, verify the request through a trusted method and report it using the appropriate reporting tools.

4. Don't Delay: Secure Your Devices With Software Updates

Software updates aren't just about new features. They frequently include security patches that address vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by cybercriminals.

Keep your computers, smartphones, tablets, applications, and smart devices up to date.

Whenever possible, enable automatic updates so security fixes can be installed without having to remember to check manually.

Take action: Check your devices today and turn on automatic updates.

Cybersecurity Starts With All of Us

Cybersecurity isn't just a technology issue. It is something everyone can help address through everyday habits and informed decisions.

Whether you're checking email, shopping online, managing your finances, using social media, or connecting a new device, taking a few extra moments to verify a request, protect an account, or install an update can help reduce your risk.

Throughout October, the City of Fairfield will share additional cybersecurity information covering Multi-Factor Authentication, passwords and passkeys, phishing, and software updates.

Visit the City's cybersecurity website at www.fairfield.ca.gov/cyber for additional information and resources.

Together, we can help make it harder for cybercriminals to succeed!