ISSA-LA Supports President Obama’s Proclamation Declaring October Cyber Security Awareness Month

Oct. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Los Angeles - The Information Systems Security Association of Los Angeles (ISSA-LA), a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners, fully supports President Obama’s proclamation declaring October National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  

“In this fast-moving age when we are seeing an avalanche of information being digitized, held in virtual storage and transmitted over the Internet, it is critical that individual consumers, businesses, corporations and nonprofits be made aware of the security dangers inherent in this technology,” said Stan Stahl, PhD., president of ISSA-LA.  “Within this year alone we have seen thousands of cases publicly reported on cybercrime and Internet security breaches.  There are thousands more that are not being reported by business and financial institutions for fear of damaged trust and reputation

October 2011 marks the eighth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC).

Condensed text of the proclamation is as follows:
Americans, along with people around the world, depend on the Internet and digital tools for all aspects of our lives -- from mobile devices to online commerce and social networking.  This fundamental reliance is why our digital infrastructure is a strategic national asset, and why its security is our shared responsibility.  This month, we recognize the role we all play in ensuring our information and communications infrastructure is interoperable, secure, reliable, and open to all.

Every American has a stake in securing our networks and personal information, and we are working across the public and private sectors to ensure coordinated and planned responses to cyber incidents, as we do with natural disasters.  The vast majority of our critical information infrastructure is owned and operated by businesses and enterprises across America.  To help protect them, my Administration is collaborating with the private sector on best security practices, while continuing to provide the resources necessary for innovation -- including expanded broadband access and smarter electric grids.

Cybersecurity is a necessity for both businesses and consumers, and that is why we released the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace.  This plan improves security for consumers conducting e-commerce by helping prevent fraud and identity theft and by making it easier for businesses to operate online.  We are also working with community-based organizations and public- and private-sector partners to empower digital citizens to make safe choices online through our "Stop. Think. Connect." campaign.

The same American ingenuity that put a man on the moon also created the Internet, launching an information revolution.  We must now harness that spirit of innovation to develop the next generation of accessible, secure technologies to build a safer, more prosperous future for all Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2011 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of cybersecurity and to observe this month with activities, events, and trainings that will enhance our national security and resilience.


About Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
The Information Systems Security Association is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members. The primary goal of ISSA is to promote management practices that will ensure availability, integrity and confidentiality of information resources.  For more information or to register, please visit: www.issa-la.org .

About Stan Stahl, Ph.D.
Dr. Stahl is the founder and president of Citadel Information Group, Inc., an information security management firm.  He is a pioneer in the field of information security, entering the field in 1980.  He began his career securing teleconferencing at the White House, databases inside Cheyenne Mountain and the communications network controlling our nuclear weapons arsenal.  Dr. Stahl earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from The University of Michigan and spent nearly 15 years teaching university mathematics. Once an active researcher, Dr. Stahl has published more than a dozen papers in advanced mathematics and computer science. He has taught courses in information security, software engineering, project management and computer programming at several universities and colleges. He recently served on the faculty at the University of Southern California in the School of Engineering’s Information Technology Program. For more information, visit www.citadel-information.com