NASCIO Endorses National Cyber Security Awareness Month

LEXINGTON, Ky., Wednesday, September 25 — Recognizing the importance of protecting citizen data and raising awareness of security threats, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) supports October 2013 as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. This October marks the 10th Anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness Month and for this observance, NASCIO has updated its Resource Guide for State Cybersecurity Awareness, Education, and Training Initiatives. Visit NASCIO’s Cybersecurity Awareness resource page to learn more www.nascio.org/advocacy/cybersecurity/.

“It is only fitting that this year’s theme for the 10th Anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is Our Shared Responsibility. NASCIO and the state CIOs understand that the Internet is the responsibility of everyone and each of us must do our part in securing a safer digital world,” said Brenda Decker, NASCIO president and Nebraska chief information officer. “This year states are increasing cybersecurity education through contests, exercises, events, trainings, boot camps, and promotions for audiences ranging from state government employees to citizens to children.”

NASCIO has again joined forces with the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity Division, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center and the National Cyber Security Alliance in supporting National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which is designed to increase the public’s awareness of cybersecurity and crime issues so citizens can take precautions to avoid those threats on the Internet. Public relations activities, educational programs, events and initiatives that target home users, small businesses, education audiences (K-12 and higher education), and child safety online will be featured throughout October. To find out more about participating in National Cyber Security Awareness Month, please visit www.staysafeonline.org.