WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced a resolution designating October as “National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.” The resolution aims to raise public awareness of cyber threats and encourage Michiganders to take precautions to secure their devices and personal data from cyber criminals. In 2018 alone, thousands of Michigan residents lost more than $80 million to cyber thieves. To kick off National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Peters helped lead an online safety workshop for seniors in Williamston, Michigan.
“In recent years, we’ve witnessed the dangerous consequences of cyber-attacks that exposed the private data of millions of Americans, crippled small businesses, and temporarily disrupted major cities,” said Senator Peters. “As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is vital that every Michigander take action to protect themselves and their personal information online. I’m proud to join my colleagues in raising awareness of this important issue, and I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the cybersecurity challenges facing our nation.”
Peters’ resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Angus King (I-ME), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Bob Casey (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
Senator Peters has long worked to raise public awareness of cybersecurity issues and address the emerging threat of cyber-attacks. Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously approved Peters’ bill to develop and retain highly-skilled cybersecurity professionals in the federal workforce. Peters also led an effort to secure elections by strengthening cybersecurity for voting systems in communities around the country. Peters also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to cybersecurity resources and training for small businesses and strengthen cybersecurity coordination between DHS and state and local governments.
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