Indy Standard

According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, Indiana experienced over 11,000 cybercrime incidents in 2023, leading to significant financial losses. The report indicates that the Internet Crime Complaint Center received a record number of complaints from the American public last year, with more than 800,000 registered and potential losses exceeding $12 billion. This data underscores the growing need to address cyber threats and scams.

October marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding online activities. As technology advances, from online banking to remote work, the risk of cyberattacks increases. These attacks can compromise personal data and business information, affecting livelihoods.

Indiana's government agencies, corporations, schools, businesses, and families are all vulnerable to cybercrime. In response, Indiana has launched initiatives like the Indiana Cybersecurity Hub for reporting incidents and accessing resources. The Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity was established to unite experts in addressing threats and providing resources. The state has secured approximately $20 million in federal grants for cybersecurity tools to protect statewide operations.

Cybersecurity is not solely a state responsibility; it requires individual attention as well. Simple measures such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and verifying online information can significantly enhance security.

Individuals or organizations facing cybersecurity issues can report them through the incident report form available on the Cyber Hub. This ensures information is shared with authorities to prevent similar attacks. Additionally, Indiana offers the Indiana Privacy Toolkit—a free resource helping organizations understand privacy better.

The hope is that Hoosiers will become more aware of cybersecurity risks and take steps to protect themselves and others from threats. For questions or assistance with state resources, contact my office by visiting in.gov/h54 or call 317-232-9600.