Kentucky Commonwealth Office of Technology

Cyber Security

Computers are becoming more and more involved in our lives – in areas of education, commerce and democracy to name just a few. We engage in more online interaction via the Internet with other citizens, businesses and government every year. From online chat to banking to shopping to news to government, computers and connections to the Internet provides everyone with 24/7 access.

The Internet has become an incredible tool for all of us to communicate and learn. Regrettably, some people will exploit the Internet through criminal behavior and other harmful acts. Criminals can try to gain unauthorized access to your computer and then use that access to steal your identity, commit fraud, or even launch cyber attacks against others. Knowing and understanding these risks is part of how we engage in safe online behavior.

Safe online behavior is imperative and we must understand the risks, along with the steps we can take to help protect ourselves and our information online. There are many recommended cyber security practices, resources and web sites that offer useful, security - related information. Adhering to the recommended cyber security practices you can limit the harm cyber criminals can do not only to your computer, but also to everyone's computer.

Remember there is no single cyber security practice or technological solution that will prevent online crime. However, the following information and recommended cyber security practices highlight that using a set of practices that include Internet habits as well as technology solutions can make a difference.
The following links and resources are provided for information and convenience only.

External Organizations

Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)

The MS-ISAC is a voluntary and collaborative organization with participation from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The mission of the MS-ISAC, consistent with the objectives of the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace, is to provide a common mechanism for raising the level of cyber security readiness and response in each state and with local governments. The MS-ISAC provides a central resource for gathering information on cyber threats to critical infrastructure from the states and providing two-way sharing of information between and among the states and with local government. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially recognized the MS-ISAC as the national center for the states to coordinate cyber readiness and response.

• MS-ISAC Digital Dashboard
• MS-ISAC Local Government Guides

Identity Theft Resources

The following resources and web sites provide information on Identity Theft prevention and what to do should it happen to you.
• Deter, Detect, Defend
• Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft
• United States Department of Justice - Fraud Section
• United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Cyber Security Tips

The following resources and web sites provide information on Cyber security and how you can protect your information by preventing, detecting, and responding to attacks.

• Tips and advice about common security issues for non-technical computer users
• Identifying Hoaxes and Urban Legends

Top 8 Security Tips

The following tips are from the National Cyber Security Alliance:

1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
2. Know who you're dealing with online.
3. Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure.
4. Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.
5. Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information.
6. Back up important files.
7. Learn what to do if something goes wrong.
8. Protect your children online.