For Immediate Release

October 1, 2025

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Since October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers cybersecurity tips, training opportunities and resources to help prevent Floridians from becoming victims of cyber-crimes.

"In the digital age, security begins with awareness. Protect your data like you protect your home—lock your devices, guard your passwords, and never open the door to strangers online," said FDLE’s Cyber Crimes Technology and Communications Division Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Mike Duffey.

Since technology evolves rapidly in today’s digital age, maintaining a secure and robust online presence can reduce the risk of online users becoming victims of cyber criminals. Implementing a proactive and multi-faceted approach to online safety can help safeguard your personal and organizational data.

Routinely update software:   
 Updating software on your computer and mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, is one of the easiest ways to help citizens stay protected from security threats.  Conduct operating system updates as soon as they are available or set your device to perform automatic updates.

Use strong passwords:

Strong passwords are a simple but powerful way to block criminals from accessing your accounts through guessing or automated attacks. Avoid common patterns including personal information such as birthdays, addresses or pet names. Never reuse your passwords or share them with anyone. The safest passwords to use are unique, with a random string of letters, numbers, and characters, with at least 16 characters.

Turn on Multi-factor Authentication (MFA):

MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. When available, MFAs can make accounts significantly safer. MFA can require a code from your phone, a fingerprint scan, a security key or other methods to log in.

Recognize phishing scams:  

Scammers use phishing emails or text messages to trick the recipient into providing their personal or financial information through a malicious link or attachment.  Citizens can be subjected to fraud scams or downloading malicious software through phishing scams. There are several ways to identify phishing scams.  A phishing e-mail or text message may have an urgent or threatening tone, claiming the recipient must click on the link immediately to pay a fee to avoid punishment. A scammer claiming to be from large corporations may send messages that include multiple spelling and grammar mistakes. Common phishing emails may include the subject line: “security alert”, “update your information”, “account suspended”.   Citizens can protect themselves by setting security filters to include known senders.  Citizens should not click on unsolicited, suspicious links or attachments in e-mails or texts.

Visit FDLE’s Secure Florida website for more information and tips to keep yourself, your family and your business safe at SecureFlorida.org.

Secure Florida is an initiative of the FDLE’s Cyber Crime Technology and Communications Division. The Cyber Division’s mission is to establish and protect technological and telecommunication systems in support of criminal investigations. 

FDLE will highlight different safety strategies, cybersecurity tips and training opportunities during Cybersecurity Awareness Month through the FDLE Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn websites. 

For Further Information Contact

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us