2009 National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cyber Security Is Our Shared Responsibility

 

Image of Cyber Security Awareness Poster

President Obama's National October Cybersecurity Awareness Month Video(New Window) - Protecting Yourself Online


President Obama Proclaims October 2009 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!pdf


MS-ISAC Chair on CIO Talk Radio

The Sixth Annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month was celebrated during October 2009, as a collective effort among the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division(New Window) , the National Cyber Security Alliance(New Window) and the National Association of State Chief Information Officers(New Window) .

Awareness Month once again highlighted the importance of empowering citizens, businesses, government, and schools to improve their cyber security preparedness. This year's theme focusd on our shared responsibility we have to address cybersecurity. In this digital age, we are all connected; the actions of one can impact many. Thus, it is essential that each of us understands our important role in securing cyberspace.

As part of the 2009 Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign, a number of activities were held, including the following:

  • Best of the Web Contest -- CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
    The MS-ISAC conducted its first National Best of the Web Contest during October Cyber Security Awareness Month. The Best of the Web Team, representing five states, volunteered to review all 50 state cyber security web sites based on the criteria of cyber security content, usability, accessibiity, appearance, and contact information.

Best of the Web Contest Finalists:

Congratulations Best of the Web Contest Winners!
 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of New York

  • National Cyber Security Awareness Month Webcast - October 8, 2009
    Topic: Our Shared Responsibility -- The Strategy for Promoting Cyber Security Awareness

This webcast addressed the strategies on how to promote cyber security awareness at all levels - including government, businesses and academia - with specific advice about how you can be actively involved to help facilitate a safe Internet experience.

Opening remarks were provided by Assistant Secretary Greg Schaffer, Office of Cybersecurity and Communications, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Mr. Gopal Khanna, President of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers. Presentations were provided by Mr. Michael Kaiser, Executive Director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, and Mr. William Pelgrin, Chair of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

View the Archived Recording: http://www.msisac.org/webcast/2009-10/index.cfm

  • Cyber Security ToolkitImage of Calendar
    The Cyber Security Toolkit features educational material designed to raise cyber security awareness through a variety of informative and practical means. The Toolkit was distributed to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as several U.S. Territories, with customizable material that can be widely shared across government, businesses, schools and citizens. The 2009 Toolkit material for download is as follows:

(Important: Please download the Cyber Security Toolkit instructions below for usage of Toolkit material, reproduction and customized branding.)

  • Governors' Proclamations
    Every governor in the nation was invited to endorse Cyber Security Awareness Month through the issuance of a proclamationdoc or letter of support. Such recognition at the highest levels of state government is an important component in ensuring all Americans have the opportunity to learn more about cyber security and how to safeguard themselves from cyber-based threats.

    Last year, 41 governors signed a proclamation or letter of support; this year we met our goal. All 50 states, DC and the U.S. Territory of American Samoa signed the proclamation.

  • Local Government Proclamations
    We also encouraged local government officials to recognize Cyber Security Awareness Month by signing proclamationsdoc or letters of support.

Partnerships
Additional information and resources for educating citizens on cyber issues and implementing sound cyber security practices are available at the following websites: