National Cyber Security Awareness Month

TALLAHASSEE – October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. 

Florida joins other state and federal government entities as well as private organizations to promote October, 2010 as the 7th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month. 

“In today’s world, as our reliance on technology increases, our awareness of how to protect ourselves online must also increase,” said Mike Russo, Florida’s Chief Information Security Officer. “Cyber security is not just a responsibility for businesses and governments”, Russo said. “Every citizen can help to ensure the safety of our families and our communities online - not only this month but 365 days a year.”

According to Russo, here are a few steps everyone can take to stay safe online.

• Stay informed (visit www.secureFlorida.org).
• Protect children online (visit www.StaySafeOnline.org).
• Keep web browsers and operating system up to date.
• Use anti-virus and firewalls on home computers.
• Back up important files.
• Use strong passwords.

At the October 12, 2010 meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, a resolution proclaiming October as Florida’s Cyber Security Awareness Month will be signed by Governor Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson.

During Cyber Security Awareness Month, Florida State University (FSU), in conjunction with the Agency for Enterprise Information Technology, will be hosting the Florida Government Technology Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 19-20, 2010 at the FSU Turnbull Conference Center. This will be an excellent opportunity for IT professionals to exchange ideas and discuss new solutions for today’s issues in IT innovation and cyber security.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a coordinated effort of the National Cyber Security Alliance, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MSISAC), state governments, and other organizations throughout the nation focused on improving online safety and security awareness and education for U.S. citizens and businesses.