REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of October 2024 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Our growing dependence on technology, coupled with the increasing threat of cyberattacks, demands greater security in our online world. This presents the need for simple, easy-to-understand resources and tips to help ensure safety and security.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Cybersecurity Awareness Program is a national public awareness effort aimed at increasing the understanding of cyber threats and empowering the American public to be safer and more secure online. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and we each have a part to play. When we all take simple steps to be safer online - at home, in the workplace, and in our communities - it makes using the Internet a more secure experience for everyone.
DISCUSSION
Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared the month of October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. CISA and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) are partnering to create resources and messaging for organizations to use when they talk with their employees, customers, and memberships about staying safe online. This Program is part of an unprecedented effort among federal and state governments, industry, and non-profit organizations to promote safe online behavior and practices.
October 2024 marks the 21st Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The City of Santa Clara has actively participated in the program since 2015 and is an official Cybersecurity Awareness Month partner. During the month of October, we are sharing with employees a series of educational content on key cybersecurity topics, running a phishing campaign, and conducting our annual cybersecurity awareness training that educates and tests employees on a variety of security topics to ensure proficiency. Key cybersecurity awareness topics include: (1) The use of strong passwords, (2) Utilizing multifactor authentication (MFA), (3) Recognizing and reporting phishing emails, texts, and calls, and (4) Keeping software versions current. We are also posting content to bring awareness to October Cybersecurity Month and educate our constituents to be cyber safe and secure at home, in the community, and at work.
At the October 22, 2024, City Council Meeting, the City will proclaim October 2024, as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Department of Information Technology will be present to accept the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Department of Information Technology, the City Manager’s Office, and the Mayor and Council Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Gaurav Garg, Director, Information Technology/CIO
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of October 2024 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month