October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The National Cybersecurity Awareness Month officially kicked off today Monday, October 4, 2010 in Washington DC at The Lockheed Martin’s Global Vision Center (GVC). The campaign for this year is titled, “Stop. Think. Connect.” This aims to empower citizens to make choices that contribute to the overall security of the Internet; according to a White House proclamation issued last Friday.
President Obama stated today “All Americans must understand they have a responsibility to secure cyber networks.” He further stated, “America relies on our digital infrastructure daily, and protecting this strategic asset is a national security priority”.
The comments reflect the president’s continued commitment to cybersecurity as a national priority.
Cyber networks connect people around the world at the blink of an eye, Obama stated. However, attacks on computer systems, he added, can freeze the networks, compromise confidentiality and endanger children.
Organizations are encouraged to participate in the event by visiting the National Cyber Security Awareness Month Web portal, which contains resources for businesses.
Founded in 2003, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes place each year in October to educate consumers, schools, businesses and government agencies on staying safe and secure online.
The event is sponsored by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA) a Washington DC-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering a culture of cybersecurity along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a cybersecurity prevention and protection collaboration for state and local governments. In 2009, NCSA’s efforts alone (not including partner activities) reached an estimated 40,000,000 people through media and other activities.
Check out the 2009 Video by President Obama: