Presidential Documents

51441 

Federal Register 

Vol. 74, No. 193 

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8427 of October 1, 2009 

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2009 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Americans are constantly adopting new and innovative technologies. This 

exposure has dramatically increased our thirst for computers, smartphones, 

and other digital solutions at work and at home. Our Nation’s growing 

dependence on cyber and information-related technologies, coupled with 

an increasing threat of malicious cyber attacks and loss of privacy, has 

given rise to the need for greater security of our digital networks and 

infrastructures. In the Information Age, the very technologies that empower 

us to create and build also empower those who would disrupt and destroy. 

During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we rededicate ourselves 

to promoting cybersecurity initiatives that ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information, the integrity of e-commerce, and the resilience of digital 

infrastructures. 

Cyber attacks and their viral ability to infect networks, devices, and software 

must be the concern of all Americans. This month, we highlight the responsibility of individuals, businesses, and governments to work together to improve their own cybersecurity and that of our Nation. We all must practice 

safe computing to avoid attacks. A key measure of our success will be 

the degree to which all Americans educate themselves about the risks they 

face and the actions they can take to protect themselves and our Nation’s 

digital infrastructure. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) support and promote cybersecurity education. Both the DHS 

and the FTC have identified basic cybersecurity tips that every computer 

user should adopt. To learn more about safe computing practices that can 

help prevent cyber attacks, visit www.onguardonline.gov and www.dhs.gov/ 

cyber. 

The 21st century offers our Nation unprecedented opportunities to develop 

new solutions to the challenges we face. Today, technology allows Americans 

to reach across the globe and communicate with family and friends, customers and colleagues, in distant locations. With this freedom, however, 

comes heightened responsibility. My Administration is committed to treating 

our digital infrastructure as a strategic national asset. Protecting this infrastructure is a national security priority, and in the process, we will ensure 

that these networks are comprehensive, trustworthy, and resilient. Together, 

we will create a more secure America, where technology can evolve in 

a protected and productive environment. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as 

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the 

United States to recognize the importance of cybersecurity and to observe 

this month with appropriate activities, events, and trainings to enhance 

our national security and resilience. 


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51442 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 193 / Wednesday, October 7, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 

October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence 

of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. 

[FR Doc. E9–24288 

Filed 10–6–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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