[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