Finance and Administration Cabinet
Governor Beshear Calls on Kentuckians to Protect Themselves Online

Governor Beshear Calls on Kentuckians to Protect Themselves Online

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2011) – In an effort to draw attention to the importance of cyber security and to increase awareness of online threats, Governor Steve Beshear has designated October as “Cyber Security Awareness Month in Kentucky.”

“The internet is an incredible tool used for business, entertainment and education in our daily lives, but we must also take precautions to protect ourselves and our networks from the dangers associated with cyber crime,” Gov. Beshear said.  “Maintaining cyber security is a shared responsibility in which we all play a critical role. Increased awareness will improve the security of Kentucky’s information infrastructure.”

Internet users and the information infrastructure are challenged by an increasing threat of malicious cyber attacks resulting from spyware and adware. They also face significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft and fraud.

Cyber Security Awareness Month is part of a national outreach effort aimed at increasing cyber security led by a coalition of nonprofit agencies, private companies and government organizations – including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Association of Chief Information Officers and the National Cyber Security Alliance.

“Even the most technology-savvy companies and individuals can fall victim to hacking and identify theft,” said Lori Flanery, secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet and interim Chief Information Officer. “That is why it is so important that we promote security awareness, invest wisely in security training and software, and remain diligent in our efforts to keep malicious efforts at bay.” 

To help boost cyber security awareness throughout state government, the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT) will host seven free seminars during the month of October for state employees.  The seminars will feature presentations on security issues from leading experts in both the government and private sector who will focus on topics including global intelligence, identity theft, and securing voice and data infrastructure. For a list of these seminars, visit http://technology.ky.gov.  

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