October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the City of Alexandria is marking its 22nd year as part of a nationwide effort to empower individuals, families, and organizations to protect themselves online. This year’s theme, “Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” underscores a simple truth: cybercriminals succeed when we take shortcuts, but a few easy habits can shut them down.

Throughout October, the City will highlight four essential security practices, each directly tied to the real tactics cybercriminals use every day:

• Use strong passwords: Long, unique 16-character passwords are dramatically harder to crack than short or reused ones, and a password manager makes them easy to maintain. 
• Turn on MFA: Multifactor authentication (MFA) stops attackers who rely on stolen or leaked passwords by adding an extra layer of protection to your accounts. 
• Keep your software updated: Updates fix vulnerabilities that criminals actively look for, and automatic updates keep your devices protected. 
• Spot and report scams: Scammers depend on urgency and emotion to trick people; pausing before you click or respond is one of your strongest defenses.

This month, organizations across the country, including the City of Alexandria, will share accessible guidance, host internal educational events, and promote online safety resources designed to make cybersecurity simple for everyone. By adopting these small but powerful habits, individuals can play a critical role in preventing attacks and protecting their communities.

For more information on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance website at staysafeonline.org or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) website at cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month.