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Congress Introduces a Resolution Declaring October National Cyber Security Awareness Month - Following More Than Half of Governors in the United States

Posted on: Friday, 7 October 2005, 09:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a not-for-profit, public-private partnership focused on increasing online security awareness among home users, small business and the education community, is pleased to announce that Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, chairman of the House Science Committee, introduced a Congressional Resolution declaring October National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Today's announcement comes after 30 Governors across the United States have already issued proclamations declaring their support and observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

A key part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is the involvement of federal and state governments to help raise awareness surrounding cyber security issues affecting Americans of all ages. With cyber crimes, specifically identity theft, on the rise, there is more interest from all levels to promote safe behaviors online. This year more than twice as many Governors as last year signed proclamations -- a true testament demonstrating the importance of heightening awareness and promoting programs to help stop criminal activities online at the state level.

As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the education community is also stepping up to thwart cyber security issues and wrongful behaviors at universities nationwide. Currently, 31 academic institutions ranging from community colleges to major universities have implemented programs to heighten awareness and aid in the education of its students and employees.

"We appreciate the participation of all of our partners, and are overjoyed with the amount of agencies, both public and private, actively involved in boosting awareness surrounding such an important issue," said Ron Teixeira, executive director, National Cyber Security Alliance. "Ultimately, we all have the same goal ... we want to ensure the safest, most productive online experience among all Internet users. Because when people fall prey to viruses, spam, spyware or any number of online threats, it isn't just annoying -- it diminishes the positive power and productivity of the Internet and compromises the many online activities to which we have become accustomed."

Chairman Boehlert said, "Progress is being made on cyber security, but we as a nation still have a long way to go. The connectedness of the Internet means that each person contributes to the nation's cyber security and cyber vulnerability, and I applaud the associations, companies, organizations, and agencies involved in National Cyber Security Awareness Month for their efforts to help all of us to become more responsible, safer computer users."

There are several events occurring on the national, state and local levels throughout October. All of these events are geared toward educating Internet users of all ages, and to provide them with the tools and information to protect themselves and their personal information online. For a complete listing of Governors and academic institutions supporting National Cyber Security Awareness month, or to get information on how to protect yourself online, please go to our website at http://www.staysafeonline.org/.

About The National Cyber Security Alliance

A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a central clearinghouse for cyber security awareness and education for home users, small businesses, and the education community. A public-private partnership, NCSA sponsors include the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Trade Commission, and many private-sector corporations and organizations. For more information, and to review the top 8 cyber security practices, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org/.

Press Contact: Joanna Andrade Porter Novelli for NCSA 408-369-4620 joanna.andrade@porternovelli.com

The National Cyber Security Alliance

CONTACT: Joanna Andrade of Porter Novelli, +1-408-369-4620, orjoanna.andrade@porternovelli.com, for NCSA

Web site: http://www.staysafeonline.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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