Cybersecurity Awareness Month Highlights Importance of Online Safety
Posted October 2, 2026
Posted by Information Technology and Public Relations
The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, encouraging residents, businesses and organizations to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their information online.
The Board approved the proclamation during its Sept. 29 meeting. The proclamation recognizes the growing role technology plays in everyday life and the importance of cybersecurity in protecting personal information, financial security and critical infrastructure.
Pottawattamie County IT Supervisor and Information Security Officer Anthony McCartney thanked the Board for recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month and highlighted the role employees play in strengthening the County’s cybersecurity efforts.
“I’m very proud of how the County has been doing when it comes to cybersecurity,” McCartney said. “People are turning in spam emails. They’re reporting things they think are fishy. They ask questions if they’re not sure, which is good, too.”
McCartney noted that cyber threats continue to evolve, including increasingly sophisticated phishing attempts and the growing use of artificial intelligence. Building cybersecurity resilience requires both technology and people who remain alert to potential threats.
Throughout October, the County will continue its cybersecurity education efforts, including the return of its annual CyberAware Challenges for employees.
The County Information Technology Department has also released an updated Cybersecurity Awareness Month activity book designed to introduce children ages 5–12 to cybersecurity and safe online practices through coloring pages, activities and code-breaking exercises. The activity book is available to download and print through the County website.
Learn more and download the 2026 Cybersecurity Activity Book.
The 2026 Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme, Securing the Next 250, emphasizes education, collaboration and vigilance in protecting digital environments. The proclamation encourages Pottawattamie County residents to adopt safe online practices and take steps to protect themselves and their information online.