Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026

WHEREAS, Alaskans continue to expand broadband, and other critical infrastructure, and leverage information systems and technology to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems; and

WHEREAS, Alaska provides critical military, infrastructure, and energy capacity that relies on complex information technology (IT) networks to function; and

WHEREAS, cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Transportation create ever-evolving opportunities and new challenges in how Alaskans work and interact; and

WHEREAS, phishing, ransomware, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks represent risks to our Nation's cybersecurity and cyber resilience, and building our cybersecurity workforce enhances security and promotes economic prosperity; and

WHEREAS, cybersecurity education is crucial for everyone's safety, especially as cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their targeting of consumers as well as public and private organizations; and

WHEREAS, election security is of utmost importance to our democracy, and the malicious use of evolving technologies, including deepfakes and synthetic media, undermines fair and free elections; and

WHEREAS, Alaskans can protect themselves from cyberattacks by being conscientious of what is shared online; keeping computer software up to date, creating unique passwords and changing them regularly, installing antivirus programs and firewalls, and using mobile devices safely; and

WHEREAS, cybersecurity is a priority for the State of Alaska and we recognize that reinforcing cybersecurity best practices, through public awareness campaigns and safe internet practices, is a shared responsibility that helps keep Alaskans safer and more secure online while protecting our information technology infrastructure and economy.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as:

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves on threats posed by cybercriminals, understand safe cyber-use strategies, and put them into practice to ensure personal security and privacy.

Dated: October 1, 2026