[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 140 (Thursday, October 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SIXTH ANNUAL NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

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                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2009

  Ms. CLARKE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the sixth annual 
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which kicks off today.
  The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to show 
everyday Internet users that by taking simple steps, they can safeguard 
themselves from the latest online threats and respond to potential 
cyber crime incidents.
  I commend the National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) of the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Cyber Security 
Alliance (NCSA), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis 
Center (MS-ISAC) and their partners for sponsoring National Cyber 
Security Awareness Month again this year.
  This year, the theme of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is 
``Our Shared Responsibility.'' Ultimately, our cyber infrastructure is 
only as strong as the weakest link. In this digital age, we are all 
connected. No individual, business, or government entity is solely 
responsible for cyber security. Everyone must make sure to employ safe 
and secure computing practices. We all need to understand how our 
individual online computing practices have a collective impact on our 
nation's cyber security.
  Cyber security vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national 
and economic security. Cyber warfare and cyber crime are increasing in 
sophistication and frequency every day. The Department of Homeland 
Security logged 5,499 such cyber attack incidents in 2008--a 40 percent 
increase over the previous year. A 2007 Government Accountability 
Office report estimates the total U.S. business losses due to 
cyberattacks exceed $117.5 billion per year. A 2009 Consumer Reports 
study found that over the past 2 years, one in five online consumers 
has been a victim of cyber crime. Attacks on our Federal Government 
networks this summer served as a recent reminder that we must remain 
vigilant in combating cyber incidents.
  Through the help of the Obama administration, cyber security is 
finally gaining the much needed attention it deserves both in the 
Federal Government and the private sector. The White House's Cyberspace 
Policy Review, published this May, recommends that the government 
initiate a national public awareness and education campaign to promote 
cyber security. The President will soon name a National Cyber Security 
Coordinator, the first such White House post.
  As chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging 
Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I am doing my part 
to oversee government's role in securing cyberspace. Earlier this year 
I held a series of hearings on our Nation's cyber security posture and 
the various vulnerabilities in our critical information infrastructure. 
This month I will host a series of events geared to educate Hill staff 
on this important national and economic security issue.

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