Today marks the start of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Accordingly, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs to promote simple ways consumers and businesses in the state can protect themselves from common risks that come with using the internet and modern technology, the DACTP states in a news release.

As part of the national “Secure Our World” campaign, the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency recommends four actions that can improve personal and organizational cybersecurity —

— Use strong passwords and create a different password for each account.

— Turn on multi-factor authentication to strengthen account security.

— Recognize and report phishing to avoid compromising personal information.

— Update software regularly to get the latest security patches.

These tips are a great start, but the list of easy, everyday cybersecurity practices does not end there, the DATCP advises. DATCP, DOA and DMA are recommending three additional ways people can go beyond the basics to keep themselves, their workplaces, and their communities secure.

“Scammers use social media platforms to impersonate trusted businesses, government agencies, celebrities, or even a target’s friends or family members,” DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski said. “They promote fake products or services, make fraudulent offers, and try to steal your information and hard-earned money. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn more about scams by following DATCP for the latest news and alerts, and by having conversations with loved ones about the risks of online scams.”

“Be sure to back up your data regularly and keep sensitive data private by cleaning up and deleting what you don’t need,” added DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “Practicing good data hygiene will help keep your information secure.”

“Cybersecurity involves preventing, detecting, and responding to those cyber-attacks that can have wide-ranging effects on individuals, organizations and the whole state,” said Maj. Gen. Matt Strub, Wisconsin’s adjutant general and the governor’s chief cybersecurity advisor. “Protecting ourselves and our information starts at home. From anti-virus software to strong passwords and monitoring your personal accounts, each step we take helps secure our digital world.”

For more information and consumer protection resources from DATCP, go to ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.