WHEREAS, the CNMI Department of Finance’s Office of Information Technology recognizes that it plays a vital role in identifying, protecting its citizens from, and responding to cybersecurity threats that may have significant impact to our individual and collective safety and privacy; and
WHEREAS, critical infrastructure (i.e., financial services, educational institutions, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems, etc.) is increasingly reliant on the support of information systems and technology; and
WHEREAS, cybersecurity education and awareness is crucial for everyone, including large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, the home user, and anyone who connects to the internet, be it with a computer, mobile phone, or other internet-connected device; and
WHEREAS, monitoring your accounts, being conscientious of what you share online, keeping computer software up to date, creating unique passwords and changing them regularly, installing antivirus programs and firewalls, and using mobile devices and other internet-connect devices safely are ways people and organizations can protect themselves from phishing, viruses, ransomware, other types of malware, financial loss, and loss of sensitive data; and
WHEREAS, we showcase the need to inspire, engage, and inform the public about the demand, opportunities, and career options available within the area of cybersecurity and highlight how building the nation’s and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ cybersecurity workforce enhances the nation’s security and promotes economic prosperity; and
WHEREAS, Clifford Hocog Aldan, the Chief Information Officer, is dedicated to providing every individual and public and private organization in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands the resources necessary to ensure the understanding, implementation, and success of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to help the citizens of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands stay safe online and connect with confidence; and
WHEREAS, the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ Campaign serves as the national cybersecurity public awareness campaign, implemented through a coalition of private companies, nonprofit, government organizations, and academic institutions working together to increase the public’s understanding of cyber threats and empowering Americans to be safer and more secure online; and
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework is a free resource to help organizations (both large and small, public, and private) improve their cybersecurity practices through a practical approach to addressing the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats and challenges; and
WHEREAS, maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play, and awareness of essential cyber hygiene will improve the security of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government’s information, infrastructure, and economy; and
WHEREAS, the CNMI Department of Finance’s Office of Information Technology was established in April 2021 to enhance and protect the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands government’s cybersecurity ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government of the United States of America, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (www.cisa.gov), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (https://www.cisecurity.org/ms-isac), the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (www.nascio.org), and the National Cyber Security Alliance (www.staysafeonline.org) all recognize October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month; and all citizens are encouraged to visit their websites, along with the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ Campaign website (www.cisa.gov/stopthinkconnect or www.stopthinkconnect.org) to learn about cybersecurity to put that knowledge into practice in their homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim October 2022 as
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
As we continue to embrace technology within our daily lives, I call upon the people of the CNMI to recognize the importance of cybersecurity education in the 21st century, as well as the importance in taking the necessary steps to ensure each person’s online safety and privacy. This month, I encourage our community to spread awareness on the issue of cybersecurity threats and challenges, and how we can implement effective cybersecurity practices and resources to keep our people and islands safe.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 27th day of September 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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