Governor Carcieri Declares October National Cyber Security Awareness Month

10-09-2009

Governor Donald L. Carcieri has declared October National Cyber Security Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island to draw attention to ways that individuals, families, and businesses, can protect themselves from cyber crime.

“The internet is used by millions of Americans on a daily basis for education, research, entertainment, communication with family and friends, business transactions, and financial management. While the many benefits of the internet are obvious to most, there are significant dangers that are costly in both human and financial terms,” said Governor Carcieri. “We have all heard about the losses suffered by adults swindled through internet scams, and the terrible cases of children who have been harmed by predators who lured their innocent victims through contact on the internet. Individuals and families must be educated about the ways to keep safe.”

The Rhode Island State Police maintains a Computer Crimes unit that works collaboratively with local, state, and federal law enforcement to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute online child exploitation, child pornography crimes, internet fraud, and computer-based crimes. The unit, which was established by RI State Police Superintendent Col. Brendan P. Doherty, also operates the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

"The advent of the internet has created advantages in the areas of research, entertainment, social networking, and locating consumer goods. However, it also leaves users vulnerable for scams, fraud, and on-line predators,” stated Colonel Brendan P. Doherty, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. “We need to be mindful of the downside of the Internet. The Rhode Island State Police and law enforcement statewide are providing informational sessions through the month of October to make people aware of potential dangers on the internet."

A comprehensive list of web links and resources compiled by the State Police for both parents and children can be found at www.icac.ri.gov. The Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit can be reached at (401) 275-5100.

The State Police Computer Crimes Unit also manages the Rhode Island Cyber Security Initiative, which works to protect critical Rhode Island infrastructure from cyber attacks and cyber terrorism- related events. The initiative also assists in the assessment of risks to Rhode Island’s cyber-infrastructure, identifying potential means of cyber attacks and recommending protective controls for critical information systems.

State Police sponsored events during the month of October include: an address to senior citizens on Friday, October 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Emerald Bay Manor in Cumberland about identity theft and protecting oneself against internet fraud; and a presentation scheduled for Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Project Hope/Provecto Esperanza at 474 Broadway in Pawtucket on protecting one’s identity and personal information from online predators, and about the dangers of online social networking sites for parents and their children. Interested parties should RSVP to Kim Caron at 728-0515 or kcaron@dioceseofprovidence.org.

The Governor noted that awareness of cyber security measures is equally important for businesses and governments. Large corporations and government entities are reliant on information systems to support critical infrastructure in energy, transportation, utilities, health care, telecommunications, healthcare, and emergency management services. Small businesses depend on the internet for communication, financial management, and commerce.

Rhode Island State Government’s Information Technology Division is vigilant in its efforts to protect the security and identities of Rhode Islanders who conduct transactions on state web sites. (See attached sheet for ri.gov Web Safety Tips).

“The Cybersecurity Department within the Information Technology Division is dedicated to providing the citizens of Rhode Island with the safest possible web experience. When Rhode Islanders conduct business with the State using internet and email, they can be assured that we employ the latest security technology available. Our systems are audited on a regular basis to prevent against fraud and identity theft,” said John Landers, Chief Information Officer for the State of Rhode Island. “We take our citizens’ privacy and security very seriously.”

Computer users can stay safe by adhering to the following precautions:

• Review cyber security tips with children.
• Supervise children when they are on the internet. While filtering software can help, it is no substitute for parental involvement.
• Use anti-virus software and keep it updated.
• Consider using a personal firewall for additional security.
• Don’t follow links in emails unless they are from known or trusted sources. They often point to fraudulent web sites.
• Don’t fall for get-rich-quick schemes, no matter how tempting they are.
• Don’t use passwords that are easy to guess.
• Don’t give out personal information unless you are absolutely confident of the identity of the person receiving it.
• Securely dispose of printed information to prevent others from reading it.
• Review your financial statements upon receipt and report discrepancies immediately.
• Back up key files.

A message from First Lady Suzanne Carcieri can be found on the internet safety website iKeepSafe, a site and foundation established by former Utah First Lady Jaclyn Leavitt to provide information and resources to parents, children and educators about protecting youth from internet dangers. The message and other safety information can be accessed at http://www.ikeepsafe.org/iksc_statemessage.

“We are all vulnerable to the malicious attacks of cyber criminals. The best defense is to stay educated, take common sense steps to protect yourself and your personal or financial information, and take advantage of anti-virus software and firewalls to keep business and personal financial assets safe,” Governor Carcieri added.

Other helpful resources for internet security information include: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (www.us-cert.gov) , the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (www.msisac.org), the National Cyber Security Alliance (www.staysafeonline.org) and the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, (www.nascio.org).