National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2011

Proclamation 8725 of October 3, 2011

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans, along with people around the world, depend
on the Internet and digital tools for all aspects of
our lives--from mobile devices to online commerce and
social networking. This fundamental reliance is why our
digital infrastructure is a strategic national asset,
and why its security is our shared responsibility. This
month, we recognize the role we all play in ensuring
our information and communications infrastructure is
interoperable, secure, reliable, and open to all.

Early in my Administration, we began updating our
Nation's cybersecurity programs and policies. We
developed a comprehensive plan that ensures a
coordinated national response to major disruptive cyber
events. This May, we also proposed to the Congress a
plan to strengthen protection of our power grids, water
systems, and other critical infrastructure. And because
we have seen the benefits and risks of cyber- and
information-related technologies play out across the
world, this year we laid out the first comprehensive
international vision for the future of the Internet. It
sets an agenda for partnering with other nations and
better defines how we can ensure the secure, free flow
of information and promote universal rights, privacy,
and prosperity.

Every American has a stake in securing our networks and
personal information, and we are working across the
public and private sectors to ensure coordinated and
planned responses to cyber incidents, as we do with
natural disasters. The vast majority of our critical
information infrastructure is owned and operated by
businesses and enterprises across America. To help
protect them, my Administration is collaborating with
the private sector on best security practices, while
continuing to provide the resources necessary for
innovation--including expanded broadband access and
smarter electric grids.

Cybersecurity is a necessity for both businesses and
consumers, and that is why we released the National
Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace. This
plan improves security for consumers conducting e-
commerce by helping prevent fraud and identity theft
and by making it easier for businesses to operate
online. We are also working with community-based
organizations and public- and private-sector partners
to empower digital citizens to make safe choices online
through our ``Stop. Think. Connect.'' campaign.

The same American ingenuity that put a man on the moon
also created the Internet, launching an information
revolution. We must now harness that spirit of
innovation to develop the next generation of
accessible, secure technologies to build a safer, more
prosperous future for all Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 2011 as
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. I call upon the
people of the United States to recognize the importance
of cybersecurity and to observe this month with
activities, events, and trainings that will enhance our
national security and resilience.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.