Columbus – More than ever, cyberthieves are targeting Ohio’s local governments, tax dollars and individuals with great sophistication. Increasingly, those being targeted are taking steps to bolster their online security. Auditor of State Dave Yost wants to help local governments and Ohioans fortify themselves from digital threats and fend off cyberattacks by offering a free, on-demand 90-minute webinar.

The webinar follows popular training sessions that were held in communities throughout Ohio in 2017. The training sessions are geared toward helping government officials prevent and deal with cyberattacks. The response from attendees of these training sessions was overwhelmingly positive. 

There were requests from attendees to make the training available as an on-demand video that could be viewed by local government employees and the citizens of Ohio. Completing the training will satisfy continued education requirements for some. The cybersecurity training is available here:

“Hackers are becoming more and more sophisticated and are looking for data-rich targets,” Auditor Yost said. “Governments by the very nature of what they do have a great deal of information that these cybercriminals are after. We need to do all we can to help local leaders and Ohioans strengthen their governments to protect data and the interests of the citizens they serve.”

“We have the ability to help local leaders and people prevent personal information from getting into the hands of evildoers, and that’s why we’re doing this training,” said Auditor Yost.

The training is presented by Nicole Beckwith, an investigator and digital forensic analyst for the Auditor of State. Beckwith is a recognized expert on cybersecurity, policy, cyberterrorism and is trained in computer forensics, network investigations and network intrusion response.

In addition to the video training, the Ohio Auditor’s office is planning to host additional in-person cybersecurity trainings throughout Ohio beginning the first quarter of 2018. 

Below are several additional online cybersecurity resources:

• Cybersecurity Training Information
• Best Practices Newsletter: “Vigilance, planning help to avoid becoming cyberattack victim”
• News releases about Cybersecurity
• Cybercrime Prevention Definitions
• Cybersecurity Preparedness Checklist
• Victim of Cybercrime Contact List
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Security Recommendations
• Protect Yourself from Ransomware

 ###

The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Beth Gianforcaro
Press Secretary
614-644-1111