WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - The Navajo Nation Department of Information Technology has successfully migrated to a Next Generation Perimeter Defense Appliance to tackle the emerging risks in the current cyber security landscape within Navajo Nation websites.
The firewall systems will protect Navajo Nation data assets, monitor network traffic, block threats such as exploits, malware, and spyware. It will also filter network traffic based on business needs and control bandwidth capacity utilization.
“This year, the Department of Information Technology has prioritized to take precautionary actions against cybercriminals, viruses, and phishing. Our IT staff and administrators continue to monitor online threats, and as online users, please be cautious of contents within emails and unknown text messages,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said Dec. 17.
The Department of Information Technology encourages Navajo Nation employees to keep online accounts secure. Online users are encouraged to be aware of “phishing,” which are popular scams to hack and trick users into thinking they received emails or text messages from reputable companies. These tactic hackers use logos and realistic-looking email addresses and contacts to fool users into clicking on malicious links that could compromise their security.
Other online security threats include malicious programs, untrustworthy software download channels, illegal software tools, and fake updates. Do not open email attachments that are presented in emails received from unknown, suspicious addresses, and irrelevant recipients.
“We feel we must inform the Navajo people and employees to help combat online threats,” Vice President Myron Lizer emphasized. “The Office of the President and Vice President is very thankful to the IT staff and others who took proactive action to secure our technology systems.”
The Navajo Nation Department of Information Technology will continue to monitor online security to ensure the safety of the Nation’s information systems.
For more information: (928) 871-6554.
