[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8427--OCT. 1, 2009

Proclamation 8427 of October 1, 2009
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Americans are constantly adopting new and innovative technologies. This
exposure has dramatically increased our thirst for computers,
smartphones, and other digital solutions at work and at home. Our Na-

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tion's growing dependence on cyber and information-related technologies,
coupled with an increasing threat of malicious cyber attacks and loss of
privacy, has given rise to the need for greater security of our digital
networks and infrastructures. In the Information Age, the very
technologies that empower us to create and build also empower those who
would disrupt and destroy. During National Cybersecurity Awareness
Month, we rededicate ourselves to promoting cybersecurity initiatives
that ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information, the integrity
of e-commerce, and the resilience of digital infrastructures.
Cyber attacks and their viral ability to infect networks, devices, and
software must be the concern of all Americans. This month, we highlight
the responsibility of individuals, businesses, and governments to work
together to improve their own cybersecurity and that of our Nation. We
all must practice safe computing to avoid attacks. A key measure of our
success will be the degree to which all Americans educate themselves
about the risks they face and the actions they can take to protect
themselves and our Nation's digital infrastructure.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) support and promote cybersecurity education. Both the
DHS and the FTC have identified basic cybersecurity tips that every
computer user should adopt. To learn more about safe computing practices
that can help prevent cyber attacks, visit www.onguardonline.gov and
www.dhs.gov/cyber.
The 21st century offers our Nation unprecedented opportunities to
develop new solutions to the challenges we face. Today, technology
allows Americans to reach across the globe and communicate with family
and friends, customers and colleagues, in distant locations. With this
freedom, however, comes heightened responsibility. My Administration is
committed to treating our digital infrastructure as a strategic national
asset. Protecting this infrastructure is a national security priority,
and in the process, we will ensure that these networks are
comprehensive, trustworthy, and resilient. Together, we will create a
more secure America, where technology can evolve in a protected and
productive environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to recognize the importance of cybersecurity and to
observe this month with appropriate activities, events, and trainings to
enhance our national security and resilience.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA