MONTGOMERY – As more Americans are utilizing new technologies and spending more time online,
the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is joining the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,
the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance
(NCSA) to ensure all Alabamians have the tools necessary to be safe and secure online during a monthlong safety initiative.
This October, ALEA and its partners will mark the 18th year of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month,
a promotion that will showcase a specific facet of cybersecurity each week, all of which will complement
the evergreen theme “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”

ALEA’s Secretary Hal Taylor said, “As many Alabamians continue to navigate through the challenges of
the global pandemic, virtual communication and advancement in technology is critical now more than
ever in completing daily tasks and staying connected. However, cybercriminals are more sophisticated as
well. That is why it is critical for each of us to stay vigilant and to be our own first line of defense by
learning what we can do to keep our information secure.”

Also known as the “Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign,” this public awareness effort is designed to remind
people from across the nation to view Internet safety as a shared responsibility – at home, in the
workplace and in communities, while providing easy-to-understand resources and tips to help ensure
users safety and security.

During October 2021, the month will showcase the following outreach areas:
• Week of Oct. 4: Be Cyber Smart.
• Week of Oct. 11: Phight the Phish!
• Week of Oct. 18: Explore. Experience. Share.
• Week of Oct. 25: Cybersecurity First

“We encourage everyone to participate in this month’s cybersecurity campaign and embrace a more
sustained, proactive approach towards online safety and promote awareness and dialogue about the
dangers citizens face online,” said Secretary Taylor.