The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), through the California Cybersecurity Integration Center (Cal-CSIC), works with state and local partners to strengthen California’s cybersecurity and help protect critical services from evolving threats.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about online threats and share practical steps everyone can take to stay safer online. From protecting personal information to recognizing suspicious messages, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.
Since last year’s Cyber Month, Cal OES has been working in a number of areas to strengthen the Golden State’s cyber defense systems. Whether it is working internally to strengthen processes and protocols to manage cyber threats or working with local, state, tribal, and federal partners, the goal remains the same: Strengthen California’s cybersecurity.
Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)
This statewide sponsorship helps California public agencies strengthen their cyber defenses, share threat information, and prepare for evolving threats. To date, 812 entities have enrolled through Cal OES in this program in California. Cal OES continues to encourage all eligible agencies to enroll and take advantage of these free resources.
State and Local Cybersecurity Grants Program (SLCSGP)
The program helps agencies strengthen cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure, address cyber risks, and build a skilled cybersecurity workforce. In January 2026, the next round of funding was announced, with nearly $11.5 million available for eligible agencies. The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
2026 Cyber Dawn Exercise
Lessons learned through Cyber Dawn will inform future training, strengthen coordination, and help build a more resilient cybersecurity response in California and with partners across the nation.
California Cybersecurity Task Force (CCTF)
The CCTF includes seven subcommittees made up of subject matter experts and executive representatives from federal, state, local, and tribal governments, private industry, academia, and law enforcement. One of these is the Emerging Technology Subcommittee, which examines the cybersecurity risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Interested in contributing your expertise? You can register to join the Emerging Technology Subcommittee through the CCTF portal.
Cal-CSIC Services and Capabilities
- Cal-CSIC Cybersecurity Assessments: We conduct comprehensive internal and external vulnerability assessments to identify security gaps across networks, systems, applications, and internet-facing assets. Findings are prioritized by severity and paired with actionable remediation guidance to help reduce risk efficiently. In addition to vulnerability assessments, our penetration testing services simulate real-world attack scenarios to validate vulnerabilities, test defensive controls, and uncover weaknesses that automated scans alone may miss. This provides a deeper understanding of exploitable risk within your environment.
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response: We provide incident response services to state and local government and critical infrastructure partners in the event of a cyber incident.
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Support: We provide tailored assessment based on specific needs to include digital threat monitoring, phishing analysis, and cyber threat intelligence reporting services.
To request any Cal-CSIC services, please visit our website at caloes.ca.gov/cyber.
Here are 10 tech safety tips you can implement now:
1) Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create strong, complex passwords for your online accounts, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store your passwords.
2) Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Whenever possible, enable MFA for your online accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device.
3) Keep Software and Devices Updated: Regularly update your operating system, software, and applications. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
4) Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or calls asking for personal information or credentials. Verify the sender’s identity before sharing any sensitive information.
5) Use Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices and keep it up to date. This can help detect and prevent malware infections.
6) Secure Your Wi-Fi: Change default router passwords, use strong encryption (WPA3 or WPA2 opens in a new window), and create a unique network name. Regularly update your router’s firmware.
7) Regularly Back up Data: Back up important data to an external devices or a secure cloud service. This can help recover your data in case of ransomware attacks or hardware failures.
8) Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
9) Use Secure Websites: Look for “https://” in the website’s URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar when entering sensitive information online.
10) Stop and Think Before You Click the Link: Don’t click on suspicious links, download unknown attachments, or trust unexpected requests for money or personal information. Be skeptical.
Stay vigilant: By taking simple steps to protect your online presence and staying alert to potential threats, you can reduce your risk and help create a safer, more secure digital environment for everyone.
Additional Resources:
California Cybersecurity Integration Center
California Department of Technology
National Cybersecurity Alliance
October is Cybersecurity Month: Practice These Tech Safety Tips
Cybersecurity and Your Online Safety with Advice from Cal-CSIC Commander Jonathan Nunez