CSIA Supports National Cyber Security Awareness Month

The Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA) has announced its support for National Cyber Security Awareness Month, an initiative organized each October by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) to promote online safety for home users, small businesses, students and educators. CSIA will join NCSA and other supporters to engage in a national public awareness campaign that includes a series of public service announcements, educational briefings and other special events as well as the distribution of toolkits and lesson plans for educators.

"The 2006 National Cyber Security Awareness Month falls at a time when we are seeing an increase in online fraud and fear of identity theft is at an all-time high, increasing the relevance of this month's activities as Americans look for ways to protect their privacy online," said Paul Kurtz, executive director of CSIA. "CSIA is fully committed to its support of National Cyber Security Awareness Month and we applaud NCSA for its work to raise awareness for safe online practices."

Every October, NCSA and its partners join forces to provide home users, small businesses, students and educators with practical tips and resources for safe online practices as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Supporters of NCSA and the month's activities include representatives from federal, state and local government and the education and business communities.

One initiative CSIA is focused on is passage of a Congressional Resolution recognizing the importance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The House passed a resolution last year, and CSIA and the Business Software Alliance are working together to encourage the House and Senate to pass similar resolutions this year. This high- level attention to cyber security awareness and education only elevates the importance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month and its activities.