    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8573--OCT. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8573 of October 1, 2010
    National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    America's digital infrastructure is critical to laying the foundation
    for our economic prosperity, government efficiency, and national
    security. We stand at a transformational moment in history, when our
    technologically interconnected world presents both immense promise and
    potential risks. The same technology that provides new opportunities for
    economic growth and the free exchange of information around the world
    also makes possible new threats. During National Cybersecurity Awareness
    Month, we recognize the risk of cyber attacks and the important steps we
    can take to strengthen our digital literacy and cybersecurity.

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    America relies on our digital infrastructure daily, and protecting this
    strategic asset is a national security priority. My Administration is
    committed to advancing both the security of our informational
    infrastructure and the cutting-edge research and development necessary
    to meet the digital challenges of our time. Earlier this year, we marked
    the one-year anniversary of my Administration's thorough review of
    Federal efforts to defend our Nation's information technology and
    communications infrastructure. We must continue to work closely with a
    broad array of partners--from Federal, State, local, and tribal
    governments to foreign governments, academia, law enforcement, and the
    private sector--to reduce risk and build resilience in our shared
    critical information and communications infrastructure.
    All Americans must recognize our shared responsibility and play an
    active role in securing the cyber networks we use every day. National
    Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides an opportunity to learn more
    about the importance of cybersecurity. To that end, the Department of
    Homeland Security and the Federal Trade Commission have highlighted
    basic cybersecurity tips every computer user should adopt, including
    using security software tools, backing up important files, and
    protecting children online. I urge all Americans to visit DHS.gov/Cyber
    and OnGuardOnline.gov for more information about practices that can
    enhance the security of our shared cyber networks.
    Effective cyber networks connect us and allow us to conduct business
    around the globe faster than ever before. We must advance innovative
    public- and private-sector initiatives to protect the confidentiality of
    sensitive information, the integrity of e-commerce, and the resilience
    of our cyber infrastructure. Together with businesses, community-based
    organizations, and public- and private-sector partners, we are launching
    a National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign: ``Stop. Think. Connect.''
    Through this initiative, Americans can learn about and become more aware
    of risks in cyberspace, and be empowered to make choices that contribute
    to our overall security.
    The growth and spread of technology has already transformed
    international security and the global marketplace. So long as the United
    States--the Nation that created the Internet and launched an information
    revolution--continues to be a pioneer in both technological innovation
    and cybersecurity, we will maintain our strength, resilience, and
    leadership in the 21st century.
    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 2010 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 activities, events, and trainings that will
    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 ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA