Technology
FBI Anchorage Field Office Launches Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign to Protect Alaska Businesses
The effort targets private-sector firms across the state with guidance on ransomware, supply-chain risks and early contact with federal agents.
How we reported this
The FBI Anchorage Field Office has begun a campaign aimed at private businesses and organizations throughout Alaska to raise awareness of cyberattacks and promote early contact with the bureau before incidents occur.
Why the timing matters for Anchorage firms
Alaska’s size and location make its infrastructure a distinct target, and the FBI says private operators control most critical systems, intellectual property and personal data in the state. The office notes that critical-infrastructure attacks rose sharply in 2021, prompting the need for local companies to understand specific threats before a breach hits.
Presentations and media outreach will reach businesses in Anchorage and other communities, building on earlier gatherings such as the Alaska Cybersecurity Summit held downtown. Those sessions drew more than 200 participants focused on practical defenses including strong passwords and election-system protections.
Threats and practical steps outlined by agents
The campaign highlights ransomware, where intruders lock data and demand payment, and supply-chain intrusions that exploit vendor connections. Agents stress that paying ransoms fuels further crime and rarely restores full operations, while early FBI involvement can aid recovery and help trace attackers.
Recommended measures include patching systems promptly, limiting privileged access, monitoring logs, auditing third-party vendors, requiring unique passwords plus multifactor authentication, training staff on phishing, and maintaining offline encrypted backups that are tested regularly. The Anchorage Field Office encourages companies to establish relationships in advance so agents can share threat details without compromising victim confidentiality.
State agencies have since expanded quarterly training for employees using the KnowBe4 platform, and free federal workshops on utility cybersecurity continue to be offered in Anchorage for electric, oil and natural gas operators. Businesses that follow the FBI guidance can reduce exposure and improve response times when threats materialize.