Rep. Scott offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 140.              

            A resolution to declare October 2011 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Almost 8 million people in Michigan use the Internet to communicate with family and friends, manage finances and pay bills, access educational opportunities, shop at home, participate in online entertainment and games, and stay informed of news and current events; and

            Whereas, Small businesses in Michigan increasingly rely on the Internet to manage their businesses, expand their customer reach, and enhance their connection with their supply chain; and

            Whereas, A significant percentage of public schools in the state of Michigan have Internet access to enhance children's education by providing access to educational online content and encouraging self-initiative to discover research resources; and

            Whereas, A significant percentage of teenagers in Michigan use the Internet; and

            Whereas, Teaching children of all ages that exercising safe and secure online behaviors and practices is essential to protect their computer systems and potentially their physical safety; and

            Whereas, The growth and popularity of social networking websites has attracted millions of teenagers, providing access to a range of valuable services, making it all the more important to teach teenaged users how to avoid potential threats like predators and identity thieves they may come across while using such services; and

            Whereas, Cybersecurity is a critical part of the overall homeland security of Michigan as well as the United States; and

            Whereas, The critical infrastructures of Michigan and the United States rely on the secure and reliable operation of information networks to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, health care, and emergency response systems; and

            Whereas , Cyberattacks have been attempted against Michigan and the United States; and

            Whereas, Internet users and information infrastructure holders face an increasing threat of malicious attacks through viruses, worms, and unwanted programs such as spyware, adware, hacking tools, and password stealers, that are frequent and fast in propagation, are costly to repair, and can cause extensive economic harm; and

            Whereas, Coordination between state and federal agencies involved in cybersecurity efforts is essential to securing the cyber infrastructure of Michigan and the United States; and

            Whereas, Millions of records containing personally-identifiable information have been lost, stolen or breached, threatening the security and financial well-being of Michigan citizens; and

            Whereas, Consumers face significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft and fraud; and

            Whereas, State organizations, policymakers, government agencies, private sector companies, nonprofit institutions, schools, academic organizations, consumers, and the media recognize the need to increase awareness of computer security and the need for enhanced computer security in Michigan and the United States; and

            Whereas, the Michigan House of Representatives supports efforts to increase awareness of cybersecurity practices and technologies to home users, students, teachers, and small businesses through educational activities, online resources, and public service announcements; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 2011 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.