To prevent cyberattacks, security experts advise people to think before you click

Colonial Pipeline, which delivers about 45 percent of the fuel consumed on the East Coast, halted operations after the cyberattack affected some of its systems. The company said Monday that it was working toward “substantially restoring operational service" by the weekend.

"We have definitely seen upwards of a 2,000 percent increase in the number of cyberattacks that have happened throughout the pandemic," said Neal Bridges, a cybersecurity expert with Cary-based INE Training.

Maria Thompson, North Carolina's chief risk officer, called attacks on the electrical grid or water supply a "huge" issue the state Department of Information Technology is trying to prevent by working with state and local agencies.

"One of our primary concerns is ensuring that we are protecting our critical infrastructure," Thompson said. "I think what is core for every citizen to understand is that they – they – are a part of this whole cyber ecosystem and that we rely on them as the first line of defense."

The defense includes updating virus software, changing passwords frequently, using multi-factor authentication and opening attachments and links only from people you know.

"What we always preach is making sure that you're cognizant of the emails that you're clicking on. Make sure that you trust the source of that email," Bridges said.

"We want to educate as much as possible our citizens and residents of North Carolina so that they do protect themselves," Thompson said.