WHEREAS, Alaska continues the expansion of broadband and other critical infrastructure for all Alaskans and Alaskans continue to leverage information systems and technology to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems; and
WHEREAS, cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Transportation pose evolving opportunity and new challenges in how Alaskans work and interact,
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 Alaska’s cybersecurity workforce enhances security and promotes economic prosperity; and
WHEREAS, cybersecurity education and awareness is crucial for everyone, including large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, the home user, and anyone who connects to the internet, be it with a computer, mobile phone, or other internet-connected device; and
WHEREAS, internet users and our information infrastructure face an evolving threat of cyber-attacks, which can result in significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft and fraud, especially as cybercriminals become more sophisticated and target consumers as well as public and private organizations, making more layers of defense along with timely information sharing necessary; and
WHEREAS, all Alaskans must be vigilant by monitoring accounts; being conscientious of what is shared online, keeping computer software up-to-date, creating unique passwords and changing them regularly, installing antivirus programs and firewalls, and using mobile devices and other internet-connect devices safely are ways Alaskans and organizations can protect themselves from phishing, viruses, ransomware, other types of malware, financial loss, and loss of sensitive data; and
WHEREAS, the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign serves as the national cybersecurity public awareness campaign implemented through a coalition of private companies, nonprofit, government organizations, and academic institutions working together to increase the public’s understanding of cyber threats and empower Americans to be safer and more secure online; and
WHEREAS, all Alaskans share in the responsibility to maintain cyberspace security. By learning internet safety essentials, we can all improve personal security and protect our information infrastructure and economy.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 2023 as:
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
in Alaska, encourage all Alaskans to educate themselves on safe cyber-use strategies and put them into practice to better ensure personal security and privacy.
Dated: October 1, 2023
