HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-15-2024; 8-h - Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 15, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-h
SUBJECT: Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024
DEPARTMENT: Information Technologies
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation David Mathias, 919.245.2272
Robert Reynolds, 919.245.2276
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating October 2024 as Cybersecurity Awareness
Month in Orange County and encouraging all residents, businesses, and organizations to engage
in activities that raise awareness about cybersecurity and take steps to protect themselves and
their communities from cyber threats.
BACKGROUND: Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared
the month of October to be National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the
public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of
cybersecurity.
Over the years this recognition has grown into a collaborative effort between government and
industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online
risk and generate awareness on cyber threats on a national and global scale. October 2024
marks the 21st year recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION/LEARNING COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 1. Foster collaborative relationships with formal and informal educational
organizations and agencies to provide opportunities for community members to meet,
connect, and learn together.
OBJECTIVE 3. Provide support for workforce development through training, tools,
technology, and other resources.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation.
2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Proclamation Recognizing October 2024 as
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes that the integrity, security, and resilience of information
technology systems are vital to the prosperity, safety, and quality of life of its residents,
businesses, and government operations; and
WHEREAS, cybersecurity is an essential component of protecting the County's critical
infrastructure, public services, and personal information, making it a matter of public safety and
national security; and
WHEREAS, the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, including data
breaches, ransomware attacks, and identity theft pose significant risks to individuals,
businesses, and public institutions, necessitating greater awareness and vigilance in
safeguarding against these challenges; and
WHEREAS, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed each October, provides an
opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity, promote education, and
encourage proactive measures by residents, businesses, and government agencies to
strengthen their defenses against cyber threats; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to ensuring a safe and secure digital environment,
working in collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to foster a culture of
cybersecurity awareness and preparedness; and
WHEREAS, every individual, family, and business has a responsibility to take basic steps to
protect themselves online by practicing good cyber hygiene, such as creating strong passwords,
enabling multi-factor authentication, and being cautious about sharing personal information; and
WHEREAS, the theme of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, "Secure Our World,"
emphasizes the collective responsibility of all individuals to stay informed and vigilant in the face
of emerging cyber risks and to safeguard their digital lives;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the
month of October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Orange County, North Carolina, and
encourage all residents, businesses, and organizations to engage in activities that raise
awareness about cybersecurity and take steps to protect themselves and their communities from
cyber threats.
Adopted this 15th day of October, 2024.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners