Cyber Security Awareness Month

WHEREAS, we recognize the vital role that technology has in our daily lives and in the future of our Nation, whereby today many citizens, schools, libraries, businesses and other organizations use the internet for a variety of tasks, including keeping in contact with family and friends, managing personal finances, performing research, enhancing education and conducting business; and

WHEREAS, critical sectors are increasingly reliant on information systems to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care and emergency response systems; and

WHEREAS, the use of the internet at the primary and secondary school levels in the state of Alabama enhances the education of youth by providing them access to online educational and research materials. At institutions of higher education, the use of information technology is integral to teaching and learning, research, and outreach and service; and

WHEREAS, internet users and our information infrastructure face an increasing threat of malicious cyber-attack, loss of privacy from spyware and adware and significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft; and

WHEREAS, the “Stop.Think.Connect.” campaign is a national effort coordinated by a coalition of private companies, nonprofits and government organizations to help all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online; and

WHEREAS, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center provides a collaborative mechanism to help state, local, territorial and tribal governments enhance cyber security. Alabama provides a comprehensive approach to help enhance the security of this state; and

WHEREAS, maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role, and awareness of computer security essentials will improve the security of Alabama information infrastructure and economy; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and the National Cyber Security Alliance have declared October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 2014 as

Cyber Security Awareness Month

in the state of the Alabama.