October Is National Cyber Security Awareness Month
| Participating Academic Institutions 1. Indiana University2. Rutgers University 3. University of Delaware 4. Cal Polytechnic State University 5. Sinclair Community College 6. University of Maryland 7. Brown University 8. St. Mary’s University 9. New York University 10. University of Georgia 11. Texas Christian University 12. University of NC at Charlotte 13. Illinois State University 14. West Chester University of PA 15. Medical College of Georgia 16. Carnegie Mellon 17. El Paso Community College 18. Hartwick College 19. West Virginia University 20. Cornell University 21. University of Hawaii 22. University of Utah 23. Cal Poly Pomona 24. San Diego State University 25. Western Carolina University 26. University of Missouri-Rolla 27. Arizona State 28. Pennsylvania State University 29. Texas State 30. University of Florida 31. University of Memphis 32. Rice University 33. Cal State, San Bernardino 34. Willamette University 35. Eastern Michigan University 36. State University of NY, Buffalo 37. Calvin College 38. Kansas State 39. University of North Dakota 40. University of Rochester 41. Auburn University |
The National Cyber Security Alliance is recognizing October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month by reaching out to consumers, educators, students, and small businesses to promote safe online practices to each of these groups. NCSA’s efforts so far have included cyber security awareness media campaigns reaching an estimated 25 million consumers, working with EDUCAUSE to bring events to 41 universities, and seeing 30 Governors sign proclamations recognizing NCSA Month.
The official kick-off event for National Cyber Security Awareness Month featured the Federal Trade Commission launching their OnGuard Online website. OnGuard Online provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help consumers stay “on guard” against Internet fraud, secure their computers, and protect personal information. The event featured presentations by Deborah Platt Majoras, the Federal Trade Commission Chairman, Andy Purdy, Acting Director of the National Cyber Security Division, Ron Teixeira, Executive Director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, and Susan Grant, Vice President for Public Policy for the National Consumers League.
Academic institutions are playing a part in the grassroots efforts to send out key cyber security messages to the public. Around the country, 41 academic institutions are participating in different events. See sidebar for participating institutions.
EDUCAUSE helped coordinate a large number of these academic institutions to become involved in National Cyber Security Awareness Month. EDUCAUSE and the University of Wisconsin held a cyber security boot camp that provided IT support personnel with an introduction to the common cyber security issues their organizational users will face. The University of Maryland hosted the 4th Annual Cyber Security, Cyber Safety and Cyber Ethics Conference (C3 Conference) for educators, which was co-sponsored by NCSA. The core mission of the C3 Conference was to inform the education community about the ethical, legal, safety and security implications of technology use. Former FTC Commissioner Orson Swindle was the Keynote Speaker for the Conference's Luncheon.
| Governors Issuing Proclamations 1. Alaska - Governor Frank Murkowski2. Arizona - Governor Janet Napolitano 3. Arkansas - Governor Mike Huckabee 4. Colorado – Governor Bill Owens 5. Connecticut - Governor M. Jodi Rell 6. Delaware - Governor Ruth Ann Minner 7. District of Columbia - Mayor Anthony Williams 8. Georgia- Governor Sonny Purdue 9. Illinois - Governor Rod Blagojevich 10. Iowa - Governor Thomas Vilsack 11. Kentucky - Governor Ernie Fletcher 12. Michigan - Governor Jennifer Granholm 13. Minnesota – Governor Tim Pawlenty 14. Missouri - Governor Matt Blunt 15. Montana - Governor Brian Schweitzer (Signed a letter in support) 16. Nebraska - Governor Dave Heineman 17. Nevada - Governor Kenny C. Guinn 18. New Hampshire - Governor John Lynch 19. New York - Governor George E. Pataki 20. North Carolina - Governor Michael Easley 21. Oklahoma - Governor Brad Henry 22. Oregon – Governor Ted Kulongoski 23. South Carolina - Governor Mark Sanford 24. South Dakota - Governor Mike Rounds 25. Tennessee - Governor Phil Bredesen 26. Texas – Governor Governor Rick Perry 27. Utah - Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. 28. Washington - Governor Christine Gregoire 29. Wisconsin - Governor Jim Doyle 30. Wyoming - Governor David Freudenthan |
At the State level, a key part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is the involvement of Governors raising the profile of the month and cyber security issues. With help from the Multi-State ISAC, 30 Governors have issued proclamations declaring October National Cyber Security Awareness Month. See the list of Governors who have issued proclamations to date.
The Oregon Attorney General and US Attorney held a press conference announcing "The Oregon Cyberspace Initiative," a public service project designed to educate Oregon users on the need for computer security. At the press conference, the Oregon Attorney General played the NCSA's "Stop Think Click" Public Service Announcement for all the TV networks in Oregon.
Activities and information offered during National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2005 have reached an estimated 25 million consumers, and NCSA will continue to educate consumers, students, teachers, and small business owners not only during October, but year-round. For a list of events during National Cyber Security Awareness Month, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org.