National Cyber Security Awareness Month, first established in October 2004, is a collective effort to raise cyber security awareness nationwide and to empower citizens, businesses, government, and schools to improve their cyber security preparedness and ensure a safe Internet experience. New York State is partnering with the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance in supporting and promoting National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Governor George Pataki has signed a proclamation recognizing October as Cyber Security Awareness Month. "We're pleased to once again support Cyber Security Awareness Month, and help raise awareness of these important issues," Pataki said. "It is imperative that we understand what the issues are and know how to address them in order to be safe online."

As a key initiative in the celebration of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Pataki, with his Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination, is also hosting the Second Annual Cyber Security Awareness Conference: Kids Safe Online. The goal of this event is to reach as many educators, parents, and students as possible to help educate them about keeping our children safe online. More than 1,000 students, parents, teachers and others attended the conference last year.

"Computers and the Internet play an important role in our children's lives, both at home and in school. While there are many benefits to being online, we must be aware of the potential risks -- and know what to do about them," Pataki said. "This conference provides the knowledge to help parents, teachers, guardians and other adults make informed decisions about online activities to help keep our children safe."