Sen. Carper Highlights National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), coauthor of the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, highlighted the beginning of National Cybersecurity Month to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to help Americans establish smart cyber habits that will lead to increased protection online. During the month of October, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) promote the public cybersecurity awareness campaign to encourage Americans to protect their computers and our nation’s critical cyber infrastructure.

“All aspects of American society have become increasingly dependent on the Internet.  It’s where we communicate with friends and family and do business, and also a key part of our national security,” said Sen. Carper. “While in most cases this powerful technology has transformed our daily lives for the better, we must remain vigilant and make ourselves aware of the threats that exist in cyberspace. I hope that Delawareans and all Americans use this month to better understand the importance of cybersecurity and to take action to keep themselves and their families secure online.  I am proud that Delaware continues to be a leader in cybersecurity awareness and in our country’s efforts to train the next generation of cyber professionals.”

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a part of the “Stop. Think. Connect.” public education campaign, which is a national initiative launched by DHS to increase public understanding of cyber threats and to help individuals develop safer cyber habits that will ensure more secure networks. To learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month.

Sen. Carper has been a national leader on cybersecurity issues. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security, Sen. Carper has held several hearings examining ways to more effectively secure the nation’s networks from cyber attacks. 

In July, Sens. Carper, Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) introduced the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, crafted to better protect cyber space.  The bill encouraged the government and the private sector to work together to address this growing threat and provides the tools and resources to secure the nation’s most sensitive and critical cyber infrastructure.

“Given all that relies on a safe and secure Internet, it’s vital that we do what’s necessary to protect ourselves from hackers, cyber thieves and terrorists,” said Sen. Carper. “For far too long we have lacked a modern approach to ensuring the security of cyberspace. That’s why earlier this year I helped author the Cybersecurity Act of 2012. This bipartisan legislation updates our cybersecurity laws and provides the tools we need to combat those who seek to attack us through the Internet. I am hopeful the Senate will pass this legislation as soon as possible.”