North Carolina Launches “Secure Your Square” Challenge for National Internet Safety Month

Governor Josh Stein and the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) today launched the Secure Your Square Challenge to unite North Carolinians in strengthening online safety during National Internet Safety Month and foster a sense of community responsibility for digital protection.
 
National Internet Safety Month helps raise awareness of the simple steps people can take to protect their personal information, devices, accounts, and online communities. Through the Secure Your Square Challenge, residents, families, schools, businesses, local governments, state employees, and community organizations are encouraged to complete internet safety actions on a digital bingo card throughout June.

"Internet is the 21st-century infrastructure, and we've got to keep it safe for people," said Governor Josh Stein. "I am pleased North Carolinians can use this challenge to keep themselves and others protected online." 

Participants are encouraged to download the Secure Your Square bingo card at it.nc.gov/secureyoursquare. Using the card, they can complete online safety activities and challenge friends, family, or colleagues to help strengthen digital safety across the state.
 
"Internet safety is public safety," said NCDIT Secretary Nate Denny. "Technology is part of every aspect of daily life, so online safety must be part of how we protect our families, workplaces, and communities. This campaign offers North Carolinians practical steps they can take right now to build safer digital habits, one square at a time."

Throughout June, NCDIT will share online safety tips through social media content, blog posts, and resources focused on account security, privacy, phishing awareness, artificial intelligence, and safe digital habits for families and organizations.
 
The Secure Your Square Challenge focuses on simple but important online safety actions, including:

• Turning on two-factor authentication
• Using strong, unique passwords
• Updating apps and software
• Adjusting privacy settings
• Learning how to spot phishing messages and scams
• Reporting suspicious activity

For more information and to download the Secure Your Square Bingo card, visit it.nc.gov/secureyoursquare.