NORTH DAKOTA—As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) is launching its annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaign with a fresh, fun, and informative theme: Stay Cyber SMART. This year’s campaign is all about empowering North Dakotans to take simple, proactive steps to protect their digital lives—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
The campaign aligns with Governor Kelly Armstrong’s official proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in North Dakota, underscoring the state’s commitment to digital safety and resilience.
Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a people issue,
said Chris Gergen, Chief Information Security Officer for the State of North Dakota. We want every North Dakotan to feel confident navigating the digital world. Whether you’re logging into a state system or checking your email at home, the steps you take matter. This campaign is about making cybersecurity approachable, memorable, and even a little fun.
The SMART acronym serves as the foundation of the campaign:
- Set strong, unique passwords.
- Make multifactor authentication a habit.
- Avoid risky links, attachments, and senders.
- Regularly do software and device updates.
- Take care with personal info.
Throughout October, NDIT will roll out a series of weekly blog posts—each one diving into a different SMART principle. From password tips that would make even a bulldog proud, to spooky tales of oversharing online, the content is designed to be both educational and entertaining.
But the campaign doesn’t stop at blog posts. NDIT’s Security team is leading the charge with:
- Internal messaging and educational resources across state agencies.
- A live Ask the Experts session where state team members can get real-time answers to their cybersecurity questions.
- Social media engagement to spread awareness and spark conversation statewide.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,
Gergen added. By staying Cyber SMART, we’re not just protecting ourselves—we’re protecting our neighbors, our communities, and the services North Dakotans rely on every day.
So grab your pumpkin spice latte, cozy up with your favorite device, and join us in making October a month of digital empowerment. Let’s rake in good habits, scare off cyber threats, and Stay Cyber SMART—together.