As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, organizations across Iowa face a rapidly evolving threat landscape. For Iowa’s education, healthcare, government, and public safety sectors, navigating these security challenges requires proactive planning and robust defense strategies.
Whether you manage a local school district, a rural healthcare clinic, a government agency, or a public safety answering point, strengthening your security posture doesn't have to be overwhelming. To help you advance your security capabilities, we have compiled a comprehensive list of free tools and online resources.
Cybersecurity Measures with CISA
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes that all organizations should implement core measures to build a resilient security program:
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA wherever possible. This layered approach secures your online accounts and sensitive data against unauthorized entry.
- Halt Bad Practices: Take immediate steps to:
- Replace end-of-life software products that no longer receive security updates.
- Eliminate systems or products relying on default, known, or unchangeable passwords.
- Adopt MFA for all remote or administrative access points to critical databases and resources.
CISA also offers free services aligned with the goals outlined in CISA Insights: Implement Cybersecurity Measures Now to Protect Against Critical Threats. Additionally, school administrators can explore new targeted resources via CISA's update, Unveils New Cybersecurity Resources for K-12 Schools and Districts.
Fortinet NSE Training & Certifications
To help bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and support the workforce, the Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) Training Institute provides its complete catalog of self-paced online courses.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Access free online, self-paced courses ranging from basic cybersecurity awareness and fundamentals for beginners (NSE 1–3) up to advanced technical training for seasoned security professionals (NSE 4–8).
- Empowering the Next Generation: As part of cultivating future tech talent, students participating in the ICN's Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) actively complete the Fortinet NSE 1 Certification program to master introductory threat landscapes and cloud fundamentals.
SANS Cybersecurity Training Community
SANS is the world's largest provider of cybersecurity training. Joining the SANS Cybersecurity Community grants you FREE access to cutting-edge cybersecurity training, tools, and resources.
- Virtual Summits & Webcasts: Learn from leading subject matter experts and stay up to date on the latest threat landscapes by attending free virtual summits, community nights, and live webcasts.
- Downloadable Tools & Cheat Sheets: Enhance your technical defenses with free access to operational cheat sheets, open-source tools, and customizable security policy templates.
- Real-Time Threat Analysis: Keep your team informed with expert commentary, technical white papers, and daily insights from the SANS Internet Storm Center.
Resources from the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA)
Co-led alongside CISA, the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) offers toolkits and free educational materials designed to make security awareness accessible across all organization sizes.
- Champion Toolkit: Organizations can sign up as an official Champion to receive a free, customizable campaign kit. The kit includes downloadable posters, sample social media graphics, email communications, and presentation templates to help run internal awareness campaigns throughout October.
- CyberSecure My Businessâ„¢: Designed specifically for small businesses, municipal governments, and non-profits with limited IT budgets, this program provides actionable tip sheets, expert webinars, and guidebooks focused on foundational security habits.
- Public Education & Training Guides: NCA provides free infographics, videos, and guides covering core defense principles, including password managers, MFA setup, spotting phishing attempts, and safe remote work habits ready to distribute to employees, students, or patients.
Engage Young Learners
Attend the Youth Cyber Summit
Iowa high school students can attend Iowa State University's Youth Cyber Summit on October 13, 2026. The summit offers interactive sessions, hands-on security demos, and a cyber career panel to inspire and cultivate the next generation of digital defenders. To register or explore participating locations across Iowa, visit the Iowa Cyber Hub Youth Cyber Summit.
Enter the ICN Cybersecurity Poster Contest!
Enter the ICN Cybersecurity Poster Contest! Iowa students are invited to promote digital safety by creating original artwork. Submissions are due October 16. Encourage Iowans to participate in ICN's "Be Cyber Safe!" Grades K-8 Poster Contest. Be sure to review contest rules and submission options.
Google's Be Internet Awesome
Kids can explore "Interland," a free, interactive web-based game that teaches foundational lessons about creating strong passwords, spotting online strangers or fake information, and being kind on the web. Visit the Be Internet Awesome Homepage.
NetSmartzKids:
Provided by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, this platform uses engaging animated characters and catchy songs to teach young children the basics of protecting their privacy and telling a trusted adult if they see something confusing online. Visit the NetSmartKidz Page.
Let ICN Be Your Go-To Security Resource
What matters most is that security becomes a priority within your organization. Let ICN help protect your network with our tailored security solutions, including DDoS Mitigation, Managed Firewall, and network assessments.