Gov. Cooper Urges Caution Ahead of Potential Cyberthreats due to Tensions with Iran

Governor Roy Cooper issued a release on Tuesday, urging North Carolina residents to be aware and cautious of potential cyberthreats following reports of increased likelihood.

The release followed a bulletin from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warning about the potential of a response from Iranians over the American airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on January 2. An unsecure federal webpage also saw pro-Iranian messages posted onto it by hackers following the airstrike, raising concern over cybersecurity.

“The best way we can keep our state’s cyber systems safe,” Cooper said in the release, “and help prevent crippling attacks is to pay attention. When in doubt, do not click. Cyber criminals have many reasons for trying to beat our systems, and I encourage everyone to do their part and be sure they understand online security practices.”

Cooper’s office encouraged North Carolinians to be suspicious of unsolicited emails from unknown addresses and to pay attention when clicking on web addresses. Other tips include keeping software up to date and avoiding sending sensitive, personal identifiable information or passwords in messages.

The release said large groups like businesses and government agencies are generally at greater risk for ransomware attacks. The new year poses an opportunity to remind employers and employees of cybersecurity best practices, as well as refreshing what controls and protocols are in place in the event of a cyberattack.

For more online resources on how to protect data, visit the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s website.

‹

Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Will Run For Senate In 2026

Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, giving Democrats a proven statewide winner.

North Carolina Reports Highest Single-Day Increase in COVID-19 Cases

North Carolina reported 2,532 new coronavirus cases on Thursday — the highest single-day increase in cases since the pandemic began. Data from North Carolina Health and Human Services revealed the increase, marking a new high as North Carolina has seen recent steep increases in positive COVID-19 cases. The department reports the state has experienced an increase […]

Most NC Parents Won't Have Option to Send Kid Back to School

When K-12 public school students in North Carolina resume classes this fall, the vast majority of them will be sitting at home in front of a computer screen. Despite a desire by most Americans to reopen schools at least partially for in-person learning, nearly two in three North Carolina parents were not given the choice […]

North Carolina to Relax 10-Person Limit for GOP Convention

North Carolina will ease gathering restrictions for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte this month after a push by the national party for the state to be more accommodating. But the Aug. 21-24 event culminating in President Donald Trump’s nomination will be nothing like conventions of previous years in which prominent politicians and party leaders […]

Viewpoints: From Roy Cooper - Congress Needs to Act Now

Congress Needs to Act Now and Extend Unemployment Benefits for Struggling Workers A perspective from Governor Roy Cooper Next week, thousands of North Carolinians who are out of work due to COVID-19 will see a drastic reduction in their unemployment benefits despite this pandemic being far from over. The additional $600 a week unemployed workers have received from […]

North Carolina Documents 1st Case of COVID-19 Community Spread

North Carolina’s governor said Thursday that the state has documented its first case of community spread of coronavirus as positive cases climbed to nearly 100 overall. Gov. Roy Cooper also said unemployment benefit requests had surged to 18,000 since he issued an executive order Tuesday loosening rules for claims as bars, restaurants and other businesses reduce operations […]

Roy Williams Teams With Coach K, Kevin Keatts in Coronavirus PSA

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper sent out a tweet on Monday night with a public service announcement for the coronavirus pandemic featuring all three of the Triangle’s prominent men’s basketball coaches — UNC’s Roy Williams, NC State’s Kevin Keatts and Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski. In a state where college basketball functions as somewhat of a secondary […]

Authorities Urge Caution on Roads Ahead of Winter Weather

Orange County is expected to receive between one and three inches of snow from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning. Authorities are urging caution for residents and motorists who are traveling during this time. “We do not get much snow and ice compared to other areas of the country; therefore, as a general rule, we are […]

Gov. Cooper: North Carolina to Get $56M for Early Childhood Education, Health

North Carolina will receive up to $56 million toward improving early childhood education and health outcomes for at-risk children, Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Thursday. Cooper’s office said the two competitive grants, which will be distributed over seven years, come from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and […]

Gov. Cooper Urges Caution Ahead of Potential Cyberthreats due to Tensions with Iran

Governor Roy Cooper issued a release on Tuesday, urging North Carolina residents to be aware and cautious of potential cyberthreats following reports of increased likelihood. The release followed a bulletin from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warning about the potential of a response from Iranians over the American airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem […]

›