October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Harrisburg, PA — Treasurer Stacy Garrity, PA Bankers Association President & CEO Duncan Campbell, and Richard Cimakasky, Penn Community Bank Fraud & Security Officer and former FBI Special Agent, teamed up at a press conference Tuesday to kick off Cybersecurity Awareness Month, warning Pennsylvanians about the dangers of cybersecurity fraud and offering advice on how to make sure their personal information is safe.
“As the primary financial institution of the Commonwealth, Treasury is a major target for cyber criminals – and we have a special obligation to secure the Commonwealth’s financial information against cyber threats,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and we work closely with other state agencies, outside business partners, and cybersecurity specialists to constantly strengthen our defenses. We also collaborate with local governments to share our experience and advice. I hope Pennsylvanians will take some time this month to make sure they’re secure from bad actors looking to steal their personal information.”
“The financial services industry is the gold standard of cybersecurity. Banks have the highest level of security among critical U.S. industries and the most stringent regulatory requirements,” Campbell said. “By working together with your bank, utilizing tools from the Treasury and other consumer agencies, and keeping an eye on your financial information, you can protect your bank account and maintain your financial well-being.”
“Financial institutions play a pivotal role as advocates and resources in this fight against fraud and cybercrime,” Cimakasky said. “Our commitment to safeguarding customers’ financial well-being extends far beyond traditional banking services. We stand at the forefront of cyber defense, leveraging advanced technology and industry expertise to protect our communities’ hard-earned assets.”
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department processes about 25 million payments each year, making cybersecurity a top priority of the department. Working with strategic cybersecurity partners, such as the National Guard and Carnegie Mellon University, Treasury stays ahead of threats and undergoes weekly cyber security scans, on both internal and external networks, to identify and remediate any potential vulnerabilities.







