Executive Director’s Message
by Paul Kurtz, CSIA Executive Director
I recently moderated a discussion on identity theft, and as part of my presentation, I asked the attendees for a show of hands of those who bank online. About half the group raised their hands, which prompted a discussion about the security measures these individuals are taking, and more importantly, what measures they should be taking when submitting their personal information online.
Securing your system, as well as your identity, is not limited to running antivirus software and installing a firewall. A large part of security includes awareness. End users should be aware of what a phishing scam is and be able to identify one; they should be cognizant when downloading files, especially from unsecure locations. End users must also understand what protections they have available to them, and in the case of identity theft, where to file a complaint. Being aware of the threats – and solutions – is half the battle.
| CSIA Applauds House Support of National Cyber Security Awareness Month Every October, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) organizes National Cyber Security Awareness month to unite representatives from federal, state and local governments, as well as the education and business communities, to promote safe online practices for consumers, students, educators and small businesses. Led by Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 491, stating the support of Congress in raising awareness and enhancing the state of computer security in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. “By supporting the National Cyber Security Alliance’s efforts to provide Americans with the tools and information they need to protect themselves online, the House is helping to create a safer online environment for all Internet users,” said Paul Kurtz, Executive Director of CSIA. “CSIA applauds the House for its leadership and efforts to raise awareness for this month’s important cyber security activities. To view the resolution, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/. More information on National Cyber Security Awareness Month is available on the NCSA Web site at http://www.staysafeonline.org. |
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the vision of the month is simply that: to raise the awareness of end users of the need to secure their systems and information when going online – and more importantly, how to secure them. Online activity is growing exponentially, and as a result, it is becoming even more crucial to educate end users on safe online practices. Awareness efforts from national organizations, industry, and government are working hard to spread the word. This month, CSIA looks at the increasing attention placed on arming end-users of all types – consumers, students, teachers, small businesses – with the proper tools and information to ensure a safe online experience.
Specifically, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), which is sponsoring National Cyber Security Awareness Month, is hosting events throughout the month that provide information to consumers on protecting themselves online. Beyond October’s events, NCSA and their partners work to educate consumers and other end users, hosting events and discussions, and offering tools and other resources on their website www.staysafeonline.org.
Congress continues to demonstrate its interest in addressing cyber security issues, such as identity theft, spyware, and data security by holding hearings to learn more about a growing list of cyber-related topics, and introducing legislation that offers protections to consumers. Congress’s work on data breach legislation, for example, has been extensive, and CSIA is pleased to see a consensus among lawmakers on the need to ensure that new legislation includes provisions to secure sensitive personal information.
Another effort from Congress came in the form of a resolution: the House of Representatives expressed their support of the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month by passing House Resolution 491. CSIA commends the introduction and passage of this resolution and we will continue to work with Congress on awareness efforts for all end users.
This month’s newsletter also includes CSIA’s monthly update on EU developments and a spotlight on two of CSIA’s newest members, Surety and Vontu. Finally, we are pleased to feature Congressman Fred Upton and underscore his efforts on cyber security issues, from co-authoring legislation creating the “.kids” domain to his work as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Rep. Upton offers his thoughts on cyber security awareness, particularly in the area of online predators and cyber safety for our children.