DOT steps up digital vigilance for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

President Obama has declared October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In his proclamation, noting that "cyber attacks must be the concern of all Americans," he set aside this month to:

"...highlight the responsibility of individuals, businesses, and governments to work together to improve their own cybersecurity and that of our Nation."

DOT supports the President's efforts to increase cybersecurity awareness and his intent to treat our digital infrastructure as a national strategic asset.

Many of the systems that manage our nation's transportation networks are part of that digital infrastructure. And we will absolutely do what is necessary to continue securing those systems and networks.

Last week Deputy Secretary John Porcari visited the National Security Agency, whose personnel are key partners in the drive to bolster our national cybersecurity.

Deputy Secretary Porcari said the visit left him "an acute sense of urgency regarding threats to our networks, our critical cyber-infrastructure, and systems." But he was also thankful for NSA's leadership in cybersecurity and information assurance efforts.

Now, setting aside this month will not succeed unless, as the President urges, "Americans educate themselves about the risks they face and the actions they can take to protect themselves and our nation's digital infrastructure."

So please, everyone, take advantage of the resources the Dept. of Homeland Security and The Federal Trade Commission have compiled by visiting their websites www.dhs.gov/cyber and www.onguardonline.gov, as well as StaySafeOnline.org, where you can view basic cybersecurity tips that everyone can follow.

Comments

[Michael E. Bailey]

This is very good news. To know that steps are being taken to protect and keep safe our important computerized transportation infrastructure is as important as the work the FAA does to make aircraft and airports as safe as possible, or the work of the Coast Guard in protecting our ports and merchant ships. The President has done a great job in trying to get the economy moving and this is another great thing he has done. He is doing as well or better than President Roosevelt did back 70 years ago when we were in a similare economic situation. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.