National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8427 of October 1, 2009

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans are constantly adopting new and innovative
technologies. This exposure has dramatically increased
our thirst for computers, smartphones, and other
digital solutions at work and at home. Our Nation's
growing dependence on cyber and information-related
technologies, coupled with an increasing threat of
malicious cyber attacks and loss of privacy, has given
rise to the need for greater security of our digital
networks and infrastructures. In the Information Age,
the very technologies that empower us to create and
build also empower those who would disrupt and destroy.
During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we
rededicate ourselves to promoting cybersecurity
initiatives that ensure the confidentiality of
sensitive information, the integrity of e-commerce, and
the resilience of digital infrastructures.

Cyber attacks and their viral ability to infect
networks, devices, and software must be the concern of
all Americans. This month, we highlight the
responsibility of individuals, businesses, and
governments to work together to improve their own
cybersecurity and that of our Nation. We all must
practice safe computing to avoid attacks. A key measure
of our success will be the degree to which all
Americans educate themselves about the risks they face
and the actions they can take to protect themselves and
our Nation's digital infrastructure.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) support and promote
cybersecurity education. Both the DHS and the FTC have
identified basic cybersecurity tips that every computer
user should adopt. To learn more about safe computing
practices that can help prevent cyber attacks, visit
www.onguardonline.gov and www.dhs.gov/cyber.

The 21st century offers our Nation unprecedented
opportunities to develop new solutions to the
challenges we face. Today, technology allows Americans
to reach across the globe and communicate with family
and friends, customers and colleagues, in distant
locations. With this freedom, however, comes heightened
responsibility. My Administration is committed to
treating our digital infrastructure as a strategic
national asset. Protecting this infrastructure is a
national security priority, and in the process, we will
ensure that these networks are comprehensive,
trustworthy, and resilient. Together, we will create a
more secure America, where technology can evolve in a
protected and productive environment.

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 2009 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
appropriate activities, events, and trainings to
enhance our national security and resilience.

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