Whereas, critical infrastructure (i.e., financial services, educational institutions, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems, etc.) is increasingly reliant on the support of information systems and technology;
Whereas, it takes all of us to “Secure Our World” from cyber threats, and cybersecurity education and awareness are crucial for everyone, including large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations, the home user, and anyone who connects to the internet, be it with a computer, mobile phone, or other internet-connected device;
Whereas, monitoring your accounts, being conscientious of what you share online, keeping computer software up to date, creating strong passwords and using a password manager or key, installing antivirus programs and firewalls, enabling multi-factor authentication for online accounts, are actions people and organizations can take to protect themselves from phishing, viruses, ransomware, other types of malware, financial loss, and loss of sensitive data, when using mobile phones and other connected devices;
Whereas, we showcase the need to inspire, engage, and inform the public about the demand, opportunities, and career options available within the area of cybersecurity, and highlight how building the nation’s and Utah’s cybersecurity workforce enhances the nation’s security and promotes economic prosperity;
Whereas, the state of Utah is dedicated to providing every individual and public and private organization in Utah the resources necessary to ensure the understanding, implementation, and success of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to help the citizens of Utah stay safe online and connect with confidence;
Whereas, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework is a free resource to help organizations improve their cybersecurity practices through a practical approach to addressing the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats and challenges;
Whereas, maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play, and awareness of essential cyber hygiene will improve the security of Utah’s information, infrastructure, and economy;
Whereas, the Division of Technology Services was established in 2006 to enhance and protect the state of Utah’s cybersecurity ecosystem; and,
Whereas, the federal government of the United States of America, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (www.cisa.gov), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (www.cisecurity.org/ms-isac), the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (www.nascio.org), and the National Cyber Security Alliance (www.staysafeonline.org) all recognize October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. All citizens are encouraged to visit these websites to learn about how they can reduce online risk and put that knowledge into practice in their homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses;
Now, therefore, I, Spencer J. Cox, governor of the state of Utah, do hereby declare October 2024 as
Utah Cybersecurity Month