GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY PROCLAIMS OCTOBER AS CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 2, 2009) – As critical sectors of Maryland’s economy and service delivery systems become increasingly reliant on effective and secure flow of electronic information and communications systems, Governor Martin O’Malley has proclaimed October 2009 Cyber Security Awareness Month to remind all Marylanders that maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility among all of us.

“Threats such as identity theft, network viruses, loss of sensitive information and other malicious activity are part of the ever evolving world of cyber information and communications,” said Governor O’Malley. “As public servants, our most solemn obligation is to protect the safety of the citizens we serve, and that includes protection from cyber threats. All Marylanders have an obligation to protect themselves as well, as we address this modern security threat as One Maryland.”

The theme of National Cyber Security Awareness Month this year is “Our Shared Responsibility.” The initiative is a coordinated effort of the National Cyber Security Alliance, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). Maryland is a participating member of MS-ISAC.

“Cyber security is a growing national security threat, and one I take very seriously,” said Senator Mikulski, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and cosponsor of a U.S. Senate resolution designating the month of October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. “Empowering Internet users about simple steps they can take to safeguard themselves from the latest online threats and respond to cyber crime will further our efforts to keep our kids, schools and communities safe from cyber crime.”

“Victims of identity theft know that the time, resources and productivity lost by this crime can never be completely recovered. I encourage all Marylanders to educate themselves about cybersecurity and take steps to improve their own online safety,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee. “Strengthening cybersecurity requires close coordination and vigilance at individual, household, business and government-levels. I look forward to working with Governor O’Malley, federal officials and my colleagues in Congress, as we implement a comprehensive plan, in conjunction with private sector partners, to better protect our computers systems and personal information from malevolent attacks.”

President Obama recently released the “Cyberspace Policy Review” calling for a national campaign to promote cyber security awareness and digital literacy and to build a digital workforce for the 21st century. National Cyber Security Awareness Month compliments the President's public awareness priority by actively engaging public and private sector partners through events and initiatives to increase overall awareness and minimize vulnerabilities.

“Our nation’s networks power our computers, cell phones, Blackberries and I-pods, and the electrical grid that allows us to turn the lights on. As Chairman of the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee, I believe aggressive precautions are necessary to keep our networks safe. We must have the proper defenses in place to prevent serious cyber attacks from hackers,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Chair of the House Select Intelligence Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, and a member of the House Cyber Security Caucus.

Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, Maryland’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has established a Cyber Security Policy based on international best practices. In addition to the policy, DoIT is leader cyber security awareness trainings for Maryland state agencies and employees during Cyber Security Awareness Month. Governor O’Malley is also co-Lead on Homeland Security for the National Governors’ Association Public Safety Task Force and serves on the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council, where he looks forward to drafting recommendations that will help shape national homeland security policy.