North Dakota Cybersecurity Chief Urges Residents to Avoid Scams

New state leader John Rodenbiker says human error, not technology, is the biggest cybersecurity threat.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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John Rodenbiker, North Dakota's new state cybersecurity leader, is calling on residents to be vigilant against cyber scams and attacks. Rodenbiker says most data breaches occur due to human error, not technological failures, and he is asking the public to be cautious about opening suspicious emails or links in order to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Why it matters

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for states and individuals as bad actors increasingly target personal and government data. North Dakota is taking a proactive approach by educating the public on common scams and urging residents to be the first line of defense against cyberattacks.

The details

Rodenbiker, who took office in January, says that while strong IT security is important, the biggest vulnerability is usually human behavior. He is encouraging North Dakotans to be wary of phishing scams and other social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information.

  • Rodenbiker took office in January 2026.

The players

John Rodenbiker

The new state cybersecurity leader in North Dakota who is urging residents to be vigilant against cyber scams and attacks.

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What they’re saying

“While your information technology protection program quality is important, Rodenbiker acknowledges, tech failure is usually not where breaches occur. Instead, he says, it's usually human beings falling for scams.”

— John Rodenbiker, North Dakota Cybersecurity Chief (kvrr.com)

What’s next

Rodenbiker is encouraging North Dakotans to visit the state's cybersecurity website at ndit.nd.gov/it-services/cyber-security-governance-risk-and-compliance-services/it-security to learn more about protecting themselves from cyber threats.

The takeaway

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and North Dakota is taking a proactive approach by empowering its residents to be the first line of defense against online scams and attacks through education and awareness efforts.