WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement in recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
 
“The Internet is a powerful tool that the government, businesses, and the public increasingly use to innovate and manage their daily activity. Since it is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, I would like to highlight resources to avoid scams, secure electronic devices, and protect personal information. Our society’s shift to the Internet Age means that the risk will only increase for future cyberattacks and data breaches. Now more than ever, the public must be aware of how to protect their identity and operate safely online.”
 
Resources that provide tips on how to be cyber aware:

- The STOP.THINK.CONNECT Campaign
Keep the web a safer place with tips from the STOP.THINK.CONNECT. campaign, organized by the National Cyber Security Alliance, the Anti-Phishing Working Group, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 
- National Cyber Security Alliance StaySafeOnline.org
Protect yourself, your family, your business, and your devices with tips and resources to promote safe online behavior from the National Cyber Security Alliance.
 
- Federal Trade Commission’s OnGuard Online
Learn how to avoid scams, secure your computer, protect your identity, and protect kids online with tips from the Federal Trade Commission’s OnGuard Online.
 
- FCC’s Smartphone Security Checker
Follow ten steps from the Federal Communications Commission’s Smartphone Security Checker to secure your mobile device.

- Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center
File a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center or your state Attorney General Office if you have been victim of cybercrime or Internet fraud.  
 
- FTC’s Guide to Recovering from Identity Theft
Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site if you are a victim of identity theft for steps to guide you through the recovery process.

As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Sen. Thune will be participating in a “Good to Know School Roadshow” at West Central Middle School in Hartford, S.D. on Tuesday, October 13 at 9:45 a.m. CDT. Google sponsors the "Good to Know" Roadshow to educate schoolchildren about staying safe and successful on the web.

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has shared legislative jurisdiction for cyber security. For more information on National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2015 (#CyberAware), visit the DHS website.