CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein has proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in North Carolina, urging residents to strengthen their online defenses as cybercrime continues to escalate across the state.

The proclamation comes as North Carolinians lost more than $324 million to internet crimes in 2024, according to a Federal Bureau of Investigation report.

"Unfortunately, there are always bad actors out there looking to take advantage of you and your loved ones online," Stein said.

State officials are emphasizing several key safety measures: • Residents should think carefully before clicking links in emails, texts, or social media messages that request personal information or demand immediate action. Strong, unique passwords for each account are essential, and password man

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