National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2012

Proclamation 8875 of October 1, 2012

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Today, Americans are more connected to each other and
to people around the world than ever before. Many of us
depend on the Internet and digital tools in our daily
lives--from shopping at home and banking on our mobile
devices to sharing information with friends across the
globe. And America far outpaces the rest of the world
in adoption of cutting-edge wireless broadband
technology. Our growing reliance on technology reminds
us that our digital infrastructure is not just a
convenience; it is a strategic national asset. During
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we recommit to
ensuring our information and infrastructure remain
secure, reliable, and resilient.

Though our Nation benefits immensely from the Internet,
increased connectivity brings increased risk of theft,
fraud, and abuse. That is why my Administration has
made cybersecurity a national and economic security
priority. By bringing together Federal, State, and
local governments and private industry partners, we
have made great progress in securing cyberspace for
business, education, entertainment, and civic life. In
November 2011, we released the Blueprint for a Secure
Cyber Future--a strategic plan to protect government,
the private sector, and the public against cyber
threats today and tomorrow.

As we continue to improve our cybersecurity under
existing authorities, comprehensive legislation remains
essential to securing our critical infrastructure,
facilitating greater cyber information sharing between
government and the private sector, and protecting the
privacy and civil liberties of the American people. My
Administration looks forward to working with the
Congress to address these goals.

Cybersecurity cannot be guaranteed by government,
industry, and law enforcement alone. Each of us has an
important role to play in reducing the cyber threat and
increasing our resilience following cyber incidents.
The Department of Homeland Security's
``Stop.Think.Connect.'' campaign continues to empower
digital citizens with the information and tools they
need to stay safe online. To learn more about how we
can all contribute to the security of our shared cyber
networks, visit www.DHS.gov/StopThinkConnect.

America's digital infrastructure underpins our progress
toward strengthening our economy, improving our
schools, modernizing our military, and making our
government more open and efficient. Working together,
we can embrace the opportunities and meet the
challenges cyberspace provides while preserving
America's fundamental belief in freedom, openness, and
innovation.

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 2012 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
first day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.