STATE OF IOWA
Executive Department
In the Name and by the Authority of the State of Iowa
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the State of Iowa recognizes that it plays a vital role in promoting a state-wide cybersecurity culture and fosters a strong digital citizenship with emphasis on cybersecurity knowledge;
WHEREAS, cyberattacks have the potential to impact the delivery of essential public and private services to the people of Iowa, threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of state data, and cause significant economic disruption and ham; and
WHEREAS, critical infrastructure is increasingly reliant on information systems and technology; and
WHEREAS, cybersecurity awareness and education is crucial for state and local government, businesses, financial institutions, schools, home users, and anyone who connects to the Internet through any device; and
WHEREAS, monitoring your accounts, being aware of what you share online, keeping software up to date, managing passwords, installing antivirus programs and firewalls, and using internet connected devices safely can protect from phishing, viruses, ransomware, malware, financial loss, and loss of sensitive data; and
WHEREAS, STOP. THINK. CONNECT.TM, a national cybersecurity public awareness campaign, aims to increase understanding of cyber threats and empower Americans to be more secure online; and
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework is a free resource to help organizations improve cybersecurity practices through a practical approach that addresses ever evolving cybersecurity threats and challenges; and
WHEREAS, each of us has a critical role to play, and awareness is critical to improve the cybersecurity posture of the State of Iowa's information, infrastructure, and economy; and
WHEREAS, the Iowa Department of Management Office of the Chief Information Officer was established to enhance and protect the State of Iowa's critical cyber infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the State of Iowa's Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) supports the defense of Iowa's technology networks and critical infrastructure by identifying and responding to foreign and domestic threats; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government of the United States and national associations related to cybersecurity recognize October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month; and all citizens are encouraged to learn about and practice cybersecurity in their homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim October 2022 as:
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
