Governor Corbett Proclaims October as 'Cyber Security Awareness Month'

Pennsylvanians encouraged to take the "Cyber Pledge"

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to encourage Pennsylvanians to take steps to protect their computers, smartphones and mobile devices from online threats, Governor Corbett has proclaimed October as "Cyber Security Awareness Month."

"The Internet plays a vital role in our daily lives and in our economy.  It transports vast amounts of information and supports our nation's energy, financial and transportation infrastructures," Corbett said.  "That is why it is so important for consumers, businesses and governments to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves and their information online."

This year, Pennsylvanians can demonstrate their commitment to online security by taking the "Cyber Pledge" at http://msisac.cisecurity.org/cyber-pledge/.  By doing simple things like using strong passwords (a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters), deleting suspicious emails and keeping portable computing devices in sight at all times while in public can go a long way toward protecting yourself online.

"From taxpayer's Social Security numbers to health records to arrest warrants, state government is entrusted with a wide variety of sensitive information," George White, the state's chief information officer said.  "We are constantly evaluating and updating our security practices and working cooperatively with our partners in the public and private sectors to stay ahead of new and emerging threats."  

Highlights of Pennsylvania's information security program include:

• Policies and procedures for developing secure online applications
• Advanced computer forensics, monitoring and automated incident response capabilities
• Security policies for data encryption, privacy roles and acceptable use
• Cyber security drills
• Information security awareness training for employees

State agencies offer a wealth of information and resources for individuals who want to learn more about staying safe online. 

• You can learn about common online threats and how to avoid them at the OA Office for Information Security website, www.cybersecurity.state.pa.us.  There is also a section for kids.
• The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General works to keep children safe online through its Child Predator Unit and the Operation Safe Surf program at www.attorneygeneral.gov.
• The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's Identity Theft Action Plan website provides tips on how to avoid identity theft and what to do if you are a victim at www.identitytheftactionplan.com
• The PA Treasury Department also offers advice on how you can protect your personal information online and the real world at www.patreasury.org.

Media contact: Dan Egan, 717-772-4237

Editor's Note: Text of Governor's proclamation follows.

CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH – October 2012

WHEREAS, We recognize the vital role that technology has in our daily lives and in the future of our nation; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's citizens, schools, libraries, businesses and other organizations use the internet for a variety of tasks, including keeping in contact with family and friends, managing personal finances, performing research, enhancing education and conducting business; and

WHEREAS, critical sectors are increasingly reliant on information systems to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care and emergency response systems; and

WHEREAS, the use of the internet at the primary and secondary school levels in this state enhances the education of youth by providing them access to online educational and research materials; and at institutions of higher education, the use of information technology is integral to teaching and learning, research, outreach and service; and

WHEREAS, internet users and our information infrastructure face an increasing threat of malicious cyber attack, loss of privacy from spyware and adware as well as significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft and fraud; and