Today, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology , introduced a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2009.

“Americans rely on information technology in every aspect of our lives – from managing businesses to social networking. As innovation spurs increased access and demand for the internet and information technologies, cyber warfare and cyber crime are increasing in sophistication and frequency. In this digital age, we are all interconnected and our national cyber infrastructure is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

October marks the sixth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance, and other partners.

Cyber security vulnerabilities can significantly impact our national and economic security. The Department of Homeland Security logged 5,499 such cyber attack incidents in 2008 – a 40 percent increase over the previous year. A 2007 Government Accountability Office report estimates the total U.S. business losses due to cyber attacks exceed $117.5 billion per year. A 2009 Consumer Reports study found that over the past two years, one in five online consumers has been a victim of cyber crime.

Among the cosponsors of this bipartisan resolution are Rep. Dan Lungren, Ranking Member of my subcommittee; David Wu Chairman, House Science and Technology Committee Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation; Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson; Ranking Member Peter King; and House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon.

“National Cyber Security Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness on cyber crimes and cyber warfare. This month I will be hosting as series of roundtables and events, designed to examine key policy considerations and educate Members of Congress and their staffs on ways to protect their own computers,” concluded Congresswoman Clarke.

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