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Protecting Watsonville: ​A​ Focus on cybersecurity

As‌ Watsonville grows and evolves, ⁣safeguarding the digital systems and data our community relies on​ is paramount. This October, during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I want to ‍share how the City of Watsonville ‍is strengthening‍ its digital defenses and how residents can protect themselves and their families.

This year,​ the city was awarded a state cybersecurity grant dedicated to⁢ bolstering our internal systems. These funds are being ​strategically invested in protecting critical ‌infrastructure, providing essential cybersecurity training for city staff, and implementing​ modern security tools like multi-factor ​authentication.

Multi-factor authentication adds a crucial layer of‍ security to logins, requiring verification ⁢beyond just a password – frequently enough ⁣through a ⁤code sent to your phone or a dedicated app.This simple step significantly reduces the risk⁢ of unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity isn’t simply about protecting computers; it’s about protecting people. ‍A successful cyberattack could disrupt essential city services, impact residents’ ability to pay bills or obtain⁣ permits,​ and even jeopardize vital services like water, ⁣energy, and emergency response. We approach cybersecurity with the same long-term commitment and investment as we do public safety, infrastructure, and overall community well-being.

Residents can take⁢ proactive steps to enhance their own digital security:

Create strong,unique passwords for every online account.
Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible, particularly for email, banking, and social media.
Keep your devices and software updated to benefit ⁤from ⁤the latest security patches.
Regularly back up crucial files and install reputable antivirus software. Exercise caution ⁤with unsolicited‌ calls, texts, ​or emails from unknown sources.

Do not click on ​links ⁤or share personal information immediately.
Navigate directly to trusted sources – official websites or known customer service numbers – to verify the information.
Be‍ alert for red flags such as poor grammar, a sense ‌of⁢ urgency, or requests for gift cards or money.
Discuss ⁢the situation with a trusted friend or family member before taking​ any action.

maria Orozco is the mayor of Watsonville. This column was written in collaboration with the city‍ of Watsonville IT Department.*