For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
YPSILANTI, Mich.—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt at the Michigan Cyber Summit 2011 to discuss the importance of cybersecurity and the partnerships that are critical to building our nation's cyber resilience, kicking off National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The Summit, hosted by Governor Rick Snyder and the State of Michigan, was attended by Congressman John Dingell (D-MI), Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI), Congressman Hansen Clarke (D-MI), as well as representatives from state, local and private sector partners.
"From the kitchen table to the classroom, from business transactions to essential government operations and services, cybersecurity is an issue that touches all of us," said Secretary Napolitano. "By taking a few basic steps to keep yourself and your family safe online, we can all work together to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment."
During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano underscored the Department's commitment to working with its many partners to enhance the federal government's capacity to protect against cyber threats. DHS' operational cybersecurity mission includes securing unclassified networks for Federal civilian departments and agencies (the .gov domain), and working with owners and operators of critical infrastructure to support cybersecurity preparedness through risk assessment, mitigation, and incident response capabilities.
Secretary Napolitano highlighted the importance of engaging the entire society – including government, law enforcement, the private sector and most importantly, members of the public – to protect our critical cyber infrastructure and create a safe and secure cyber environment. DHS continues to expand the Department's Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign, a year-round national public awareness effort designed to engage and challenge Americans to practice and promote safe online practices.
"No country, no industry, no community and no individual is immune to risk in cyberspace and we all have a role in securing it," said Schmidt. "That's why the overarching theme for this year's National Cyber Security Awareness Month is "Our Shared Responsibility.'"
About National Cyber Security Awareness Month
President Obama signed a proclamation designating October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) – an opportunity to engage public and private sector stakeholders, as well as the general public, to create a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment. Since 2004, NCSAM has been formally recognized by Federal, state and local governments, as well as industry and academia. In 2010, governors from across the country joined President Obama in signing proclamations declaring October NCSAM.
For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov.
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