— The CNMI State Board of Education and the Public School System have officially proclaimed October 2025 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, reinforcing the school district’s continued commitment to protecting students, staff, and families in an increasingly digital world.
Observed annually each October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a nationwide call to action for individuals and organizations to strengthen digital safety practices.
A growing commitment to digital safety
Since launching its first observance in 2024, the CNMI PSS has made significant strides toward creating a safer and more secure digital learning environment. Over the past year, over 100 staff members have activated multi-factor authentication, and all schools, departments, and programs have participated in cybersecurity training. The PSS Office of State Infrastructure Technology or SIT continues to lead efforts in system and hardware updates, ensuring all devices are protected with the latest security patches.
This year’s proclamation highlights the district’s expanded efforts to engage students as active participants in promoting cybersecurity awareness, empowering them to build habits that protect themselves and their communities online. This year’s theme, “Secure Our World: Stay Safe Online,” underscores that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, reminding everyone to safeguard personal data, use strong passwords, enable MFA, update software regularly, and remain vigilant against scams, phishing, and other cyber threats.
Leaders reflect on the importance of cybersecurity
In his remarks, SIT Director Jesse Tenorio reminded the community that cybersecurity goes beyond protecting data; it’s about preserving learning continuity:
“It’s not only about protecting and securing our data. It’s about keeping learning safe, secure, and uninterrupted.”
BOE Vice Chairperson Anthony Dela Cruz Barcinas recognized the collective efforts that keep the system safe:
“We extend our appreciation to the SIT Team and all individuals involved in making sure that PSS has a safe and secured network.”
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho celebrated the district’s progress and reaffirmed PSS’s vision for the future:
“We celebrate the fact that we are technologically advanced as a school district, and we will continue to be. Learning continues to be advanced because we remain committed to being aware and protective.”
Shared responsibility and leadership
CNMI PSS Data Privacy Specialist Ferdinand Ngirmekur reflected on the significance of the proclamation and the collaboration it represents:
“This proclamation signing reaffirms everyone that we share the responsibility to protect our CNMI Public School System from evolving threats. Cybersecurity awareness efforts would not be possible without the strong leadership of Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and our Board of Education.”
He also recognized the SIT team for their steadfast service and dedication: Network Specialists Albert Camacho, Fermin Sakisat, Franz Decena, Pedro Baquilles, and Matthew Kintol; Administrative Officer Rita Dela Cruz; and SIT Director Jesse Tenorio.
Systemwide awareness and education
Throughout the month of October, PSS will host a series of interactive workshops, professional development sessions, and awareness campaigns focused on cybersecurity education, safe online habits, and protecting personal information. These activities will engage students, teachers, and staff across all schools and programs, reinforcing that every member of the educational community has a role in “securing our world.”
PSS remains steadfast in fostering a culture of awareness, responsibility, and resilience. Through collective action and continued vigilance, the system aims to ensure that every learner can thrive in a safe, secure, and uninterrupted digital learning environment.
