Title: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to raise awareness and enhance the state of cybersecurity in the United States.
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
This resolution recognizes October 2021 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and commits to continue working to enhance U.S. cybersecurity.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 410 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 410

  Supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness 
Month to raise awareness and enhance the state of cybersecurity in the 
                             United States.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 7, 2021

   Mr. Peters (for himself, Mr. Cassidy, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Rounds, Mr. 
 Cornyn, Mr. King, and Ms. Hassan) submitted the following resolution; 
     which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and 
                          Governmental Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness 
Month to raise awareness and enhance the state of cybersecurity in the 
                             United States.

Whereas internet-based devices are present in every aspect of life for many 
        people in the United States, with constant connection providing 
        opportunities for innovation and modernization;
Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic forced daily aspects of societal life to online 
        environments that are vulnerable to cyber attacks;
Whereas the number of cellular Internet of Things (commonly referred to as 
        ``IoT'') connections is expected to reach 3,500,000,000 in 2023, 
        increasing at an annual growth rate of 30 percent;
Whereas a connected society is subject to cybersecurity threats that can 
        compromise even the most personal and sensitive of information;
Whereas connected critical infrastructure is subject to cybersecurity threats 
        that can compromise fundamental economic and health and safety 
        functions;
Whereas malware is any malicious software that can be used to compromise the 
        integrity of an electronic device, including the various types of 
        software that give cyber criminals unique methods to monitor and control 
        online activity or steal personal information or other sensitive data, 
        such as--

    (1) adware;

    (2) botnets;

    (3) ransomware;

    (4) rootkits;

    (5) spyware;

    (6) Trojans;

    (7) viruses; and

    (8) worms;

Whereas the Federal Bureau of Investigation received more than 2,000 ransomware 
        complaints in 2020 accounting for nearly $30,000,000 in losses;
Whereas social engineering to trick individuals to give up their credentials, 
        often through phishing attacks, can allow attackers to access personal 
        information and accounts, leading to substantial harm;
Whereas public Wi-Fi hotspots can be convenient, but are not always secure, and 
        may expose anyone connected to the network to a malicious cyberattack;
Whereas there were more than 2,000,000 cybercrimes reported to the Federal 
        Bureau of Investigation in 2020 equating to more than $4,000,000,000 in 
        losses;
Whereas everyone can take simple steps to minimize the chance of a cybercrime, 
        including--

    (1) setting strong passwords;

    (2) using multi-factor authentication;

    (3) installing updates;

    (4) understanding privacy settings;

    (5) backing up data; and

    (6) thinking critically and carefully about online offers;

Whereas National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort between 
        government and industry--

    (1) to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity;

    (2) to provide education to public and private sector partners through 
events and initiatives;

    (3) to ensure that public and private sector partners, and all people 
of the United States, have the tools and resources needed to be safer and 
more secure online; and

    (4) to increase the resilience of the United States in the event of a 
cyber incident;

Whereas, in 2021, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month will emphasize personal 
        accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance 
        cybersecurity at home and in the workplace, focusing on key areas such 
        as--

    (1) cyber hygiene;

    (2) phishing scams; and

    (3) cybersecurity trainings;

Whereas the theme of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2021 is ``Do Your 
        Part. #BeCyberSmart.'';
Whereas there are approximately 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the 
        United States; and
Whereas the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department 
        of Homeland Security works with public sector, private sector, and 
        government partners--

    (1) to share information;

    (2) to build greater trust; and

    (3) to lead the national effort to protect and enhance the resilience 
of the physical and cyber infrastructure of the United States: Now, 
therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity 
        Awareness Month;
            (2) commits to continuing to work with Federal agencies, 
        State, local, tribal, and territorial governments, businesses, 
        educational institutions, and other organizations to enhance 
        the state of cybersecurity in the United States; and
            (3) recognizes October as National Cybersecurity Awareness 
        Month in 2021, with the theme ``Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.'', 
        as an opportunity--
                    (A) to provide education to the people of the 
                United States about cybersecurity; and
                    (B) to help all people of the United States be 
                safer, more secure, and more aware while online and 
                using connected devices.
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