FARGO -- Elections are close at hand, and so is the holiday shopping season. And that makes us all prime targets this time of year for bad actors online.
That's part of why October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The North Dakota head of cybersecurity says the risk to consumers is as high now as it ever was.
John Rodenbiker is warning computer users we need to be extra diligent in protecting against cyber fraud as we head toward election season, particularly with America's 250th anniversary.
Previous elections have been marked with plenty of foreign interference online.
And, he says, busy, distracted holiday shoppers are easier for scammers to fool.
Rodenbiker says staying vigilant against cyberattacks isn't just about protecting yourself.
You could also be protecting people you care about, as fraudsters like to exploit trusted sources online to attack family, friends and business associates.
He joined the Morning Show to talk about the state's "Stay SMART Cyber Campaign," and why this time of year is particularly rife with risk.
For more information, check out the state's tips on foiling cyberattack at the North Dakota Information Technology website.
