Madam Speaker,  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.Res.716, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. 

Each year, the National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) joins with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and other partners to support National Cyber Security Awareness Month. 

The goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to show everyday Internet users that by taking simple steps, they can safeguard themselves from the latest online threats and respond to potential cyber-crime incidents.  These safeguards, taken by everyday home and office users, are a critical component in protecting not only these individuals themselves, but the larger universe of computer and internet users as well.  We all have a role to play.  Unfortunately, it would be dangerous to believe that simple steps by end users will sufficiently combat the larger threats associated with an increasingly networked society. 

As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology, I have held a number of hearings this year on our nation’s cybersecurity posture and the various vulnerabilities in our critical information infrastructure. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security.  We all know that securing networks can help prevent problems like identity theft, but secure networks can also protect our nuclear power plants, electric grids, and other critical infrastructure.  Sadly, the issue of cybersecurity has been largely ignored and misunderstood for far too long. 

The oversight that the Homeland Security Committee is undertaking will help change that, but much work remains to be done.  We must continue to bring greater attention to this issue by dedicating resources to securing cyberspace, such as increased funding for cybersecurity research and development.  But we must also demand accountability and prompt action from those officials tasked with developing comprehensive strategies for securing cyberspace.

I am proud to recognize October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and I hope that the passage of this resolution will bring greater attention to the importance and urgency of securing cyberspace.  I thank Chairman Gordon for his leadership in bringing this measure to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution.