Cyber Security Awareness Month (2009)

Cyber Security Awareness Month

WHEREAS, many citizens of the Commonwealth use the internet to keep in contact with family and friends, manage their finances, buy goods and services and get the latest news; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s primary and secondary schools use the Internet to enhance the education of our youth by providing them access to online educational and research materials; and

WHEREAS, the use of information technology at institutions of higher education is crucial to teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and service; and

WHEREAS, Virginia businesses use information systems and networks to manage their businesses and expand their customer reach; and

WHEREAS, critical sectors are increasingly reliant on information systems to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, health care, and emergency response systems; and

WHEREAS, internet users and our information infrastructure face an increasing threat of malicious attack by viruses along with the loss of privacy from spyware and adware; and

WHEREAS, each year there are significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft and fraud; and

WHEREAS, continued awareness of computer security essentials will improve Virginia’s economy and infrastructure; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby declare October 2009 as CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.