NEWS RELEASE: OCTOBER USHERS IN CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH IN HAWAI‘I

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Official release

Source material from Hawaii Governor’s Office. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

NEWS RELEASE: OCTOBER USHERS IN CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH IN HAWAI‘I

Posted on Oct 1, 2026 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND GENERAL SERVICES

KA ʻOIHANA LOIHELU A LAWELAWE LAULĀ

KEITH A. REGAN

COMPTROLLER

KA LUNA HOʻOMALU HANA LAULĀ

OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

KEʻENA HOʻOLANA ʻENEHANA

CHRISTINE M. SAKUDA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

LUNA ʻENEHANA

OCTOBER USHERS IN CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH IN HAWAIʻI

ETS Leads Statewide Efforts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2026

HONOLULU — October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi, highlighting the shared responsibility of government, businesses, organizations and individuals to protect themselves and their communities from evolving cyber threats. Governor Josh Green will issue an official proclamation later this month to recognize the statewide observance.

“It’s important that government agencies, businesses and individuals work together to defend against fast-evolving digital threats and AI-driven cyberattacks,” said Governor Green.

On the national level, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative initiative co-led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

Acting Lieutenant Governor Keith Regan added, “National security and the economy rely heavily on secure digital systems, public networks and supply chains, yet most cyber intrusions target people rather than hardware, making user awareness the strongest frontline defense against scams and identity theft.” Regan is also the director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, cybersecurity plays a critical role in protecting personal information, financial security, critical infrastructure and the digital systems Hawaiʻi residents rely on each day.

“Cybersecurity is fundamental to building a modern government that people can trust,” said Hawaiʻi State Chief Information Officer Christine Maii Sakuda, head of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS), a division of DAGS. “As we continue to modernize state systems and expand digital services, we must also strengthen the security and resilience of the technology behind them. That responsibility extends beyond government. Each of us has a role in creating a safer digital Hawaiʻi.”

This year’s observance comes as emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), continue to reshape the cybersecurity landscape and create new opportunities and risks. Cybersecurity Awareness Month also emphasizes the importance of strengthening the cybersecurity workforce and preparing the next generation of professionals to protect Hawaiʻi’s digital infrastructure.

Hawaiʻi Chief Information Security Officer Vincent Hoang works to protect the information resources and infrastructure of state government.

“Cybersecurity starts with the choices we make every day,” said Hoang. “As cyber threats continue to evolve, especially with the growing use of AI, staying informed and vigilant is one of the strongest defenses we have.”

Residents are encouraged to strengthen their digital resilience by adopting proven cybersecurity practices and using trusted resources. Some examples include:

Using strong, unique passwords and a password manager

Enabling multifactor authentication whenever available

Keeping devices, applications and software updated

Recognizing and reporting phishing attempts and suspicious messages

Being cautious about the personal information they share online

ETS provides cybersecurity leadership and expertise for the state of Hawaiʻi and works alongside state departments and partners to protect government information resources and infrastructure.

For cybersecurity information and resources, visit www.ets.hawaii.gov and www.cisa.gov.

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Release text attributed to Hawaii Governor’s Office. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.