On October 20th, 2009, Governor Jim Douglas, surrounded by local students and community members, signed a proclamation declaring the month of October as Cyber Security Awareness month in the State of Vermont. Governor Douglas joined 48 other governors who have made similar proclamations. This month marks the sixth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month and this is Vermont’s first year in joining the initiative. This proclamation is part of an effort to promote a safer virtual workforce and community in the State of Vermont.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation to show federal support and spread cyber awareness nationwide. The support from both federal and state levels creates a joint effort in calling to all citizens that cyber security is our shared responsibility, as a state and a nation. 

Brookfield Elementary in Brookfield, Vermont participated in a new program put on by the State of Vermont’s Department of Information and Innovation (DII). The goal of the program is to help educate students on how to be safe and smart when using the computer and Internet. Young people are familiar with technology, as it has been second nature in their era; however, such comfort can create a false sense of security and trust. It is important to educate these young people as they are the most vulnerable. With the use of materials from Netsmartz.org, students participated in an interactive presentation and then showed their creativity and made posters showing what they learned. The top 6 entries were picked to come to the State House for the Proclamation signing and met the Governor. To see the winning entries, please see below.

Norwich University students accompanied by a professor were also in attendance, representing the University which is a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education
 

Top Winners

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October is a time to celebrate technology and to evaluate how much we pay attention to the security of our computers, smartphones, iPods, etc. Technology truly has become an essential asset to our everyday lives and we often times overlook the importance of securing such devices. Would you leave your car unlocked in a crowded parking lot? Don't you lock your doors on the way out of the house in the morning? These simple mindless acts are important in securing our homes and cars, shouldn't our technology be treated with the same care? You can find some great tips and simple steps that everyone can follow below, provided by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), or all around our site. Choose one, two or all of the simple tips and commit to making a change in the way you secure your technology. Even one change can make a real difference. 

What Home Users Can Do  - tip sheet for home users

What Federal Goverment Can Do - tip sheet for Federal, State Employees; also a great resource for businesses and organizations