WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), issued the following statement on the adoption of S. Res. 285, which defines Senate support for the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month during October 2009.

 

The resolution identifies the critical need for nationwide awareness of cyber threats as well as cybersecurity coordination between Federal agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations.  Senator Rockefeller and Senator Snowe cosponsored the Senate resolution on National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and, earlier this year, introduced their own bipartisan landmark cybersecurity legislation (S. 773, The Cybersecurity Act of 2009 and S. 778, the National Cybersecurity Advisor Act of 2009) to address our nation’s vulnerability to cyber crime, global cyber espionage, and cyber attacks that could potentially negatively impact our economy.

 

“Cyber attacks on American infrastructure are very real and happening now,” Chairman Rockefeller said. “Imagine the impact on our economy if just one adversary succeeded in attacking and crippling a critical cyber network.  Make no mistake, Cybersecurity Awareness Month isn’t just about heightening awareness, it’s about taking key steps toward protecting our economic security.  This can only be achieved through coordination between public and private interests and the establishment of proper safeguards that protect us all.”

 

“There is no question our nation’s vulnerability to a cyber attack has emerged as one of the most urgent national security problems facing our country today,” said Senator Snowe. “Cybersecurity Awareness Month further raises the bar on Americans’ expectations for Congress to implement strong and effective policies that will prevent the nation’s information networks from being crippled by an invasive and intrusive cyber attack. Time is of the essence, we must continue to aggressively confront this monumental challenge.”

 

 

• Significantly raise the profile of cybersecurity within the Federal government and streamlining cyber-related government functions and authorities.

 

• Promote public awareness and protecting civil liberties.

 

• Modernize the relationship between government and the private sector on cybersecurity.

 

• Foster innovation and creativity in cybersecurity to develop long-term solutions.

 

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