[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 158 (Wednesday, October 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

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                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 28, 2009

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as the 
sixth annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The theme for 
2009, ``Our Shared Responsibility,'' emphasizes the need for government 
agencies, businesses and especially private users to each take 
responsibility for their own online safety and not fall victim to cyber 
attacks that can spread to other users.
  It is vital that the public is engaged and aware of how to properly 
utilize security software in order to protect their Social Security 
numbers, financial information, health information, and other personal 
data. We must all work together and take responsibility for securing 
our own networks and computers to ensure that government systems, 
personal data and even critical infrastructure remain safe from 
attack.-
  Improving public awareness of threats to home or office computer 
networks is a crucial step in working to make the Internet, and our 
critical data, more safe and secure. Due to the massive scope and scale 
of the Internet, fraud and malicious attacks will always persist in 
some form. However, educating the public about small steps, such as 
keeping up-to-date with the latest security patches or installing basic 
anti-virus software, can easily strengthen our economic and national 
security.
  I applaud the Department of Homeland Security for sponsoring this 
month of outreach. As a Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the House 
Cybersecurity Caucus, I will continue to fight to deliver the latest 
tools and training to support both our national security 
infrastructure, and the personal data of all Americans.

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