Expressing Sense of House With Respect to Raising Awareness and Enhancing the State of Computer Security

EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE WITH RESPECT TO RAISING AWARENESS AND ENHANCING THE STATE OF COMPUTER SECURITY -- (House of Representatives - November 14, 2006)

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Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. It expresses congressional support for the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

This resolution, which I cosponsored, is an effort to increase awareness across the Nation of the dangers lurking in cyber space. It is also to educate Americans about the availability of tools and practices to minimize these dangers.

I want to congratulate the National Cyber Security Alliance for originating the idea for this observance and for its efforts to improve cyber security.

The National Cyber Security Alliance is a public/private partnership led by industry. It is focused on improving cyber security for home users, small businesses and educational institutions.

The Alliance seeks to alert computer users to threats such as viruses, hacking attacks and identity theft. Additionally, it provides information to users on best practices and technologies available for countering cyber threats.

Each year, nearly 10 million Americans are affected by identity theft, and it cost businesses almost $56 billion in 2004. I frequently hear from my constituents in Sacramento about their experiences with identity theft and questions on how to avoid being a victim.

Consumer awareness has proven to be an effective weapon against identity theft, especially regarding Internet security. In fact, I received an overwhelmingly positive response when I hosted an information session on preventing identity theft in Sacramento.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month includes a range of special events designed specifically for home users, small businesses and the education community.

To reach its objectives, the Alliance organizes national and regional events. These events range from small business workshops and student assemblies to cyber security boot camps, which would take consumer education to the grass-roots level. The Alliance also makes public service announcements to inform consumers about on-line best practices and to protect their valuable personal data, and it publicizes its on-line resources for computer users. This includes beginner guides, computer security tips and free security scans.

The resolution before the House calls attention to and endorses the commendable efforts of the National Cyber Security Alliance to increase awareness of cyber security throughout the Nation. This is a message we should all heed.

Mr. Speaker, I commend this resolution to my colleagues and ask for their support for its passage by the House.

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