In recognition of society’s growing dependence on the internet and computer technology – as well as the risks they pose to our finances, identities and privacy — Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, has passed a resolution designating October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the state of California.
“Technology has had a profound impact on all parts of our lives, from personal relationships and social interactions to schools, hospitals, the economy and infrastructure critical to public safety,” Sen. Dodd said. “We’ve come to rely on it to work seamlessly. When it doesn’t, we open ourselves to risk. So we must always be aware of potential threats to cybersecurity and strive to make our connectivity safer.”
In recent years, the enormous benefits of living in the digital age have become clear. Vulnerabilities have also emerged. From 2012 to 2016, the California Attorney General’s Office received reports on 657 data breaches, affecting a total of over 49 million records of Californians, according to a study. In 2015 alone, nearly three in five Californians were victims of a data breach
“Cybersecurity incidents, be they intentional or accidental, are increasing at an alarming pace and could disrupt the supply of essential services we take for granted such as water, healthcare, electricity or mobile services,” Sen. Dodd said.
In light of the challenges, Sen. Dodd this year wrote several related bills including Senate Bill 532, which adds “cyberterrorism” to the list of conditions that may be cited in support of a state-of-emergency declaration, and SB 1121, which enhances data breach protection. Both were signed last month by Gov. Jerry Brown. He also wrote Senate Resolution 123, which recognizes Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in California. Supporters of the resolution include Common Sense Kids Action, which helps children thrive through the use of media and technology.
“Nearly every child under 8 in America has access to a mobile device at home, and youth represent 1 in 3 internet users worldwide,” said Elizabeth Galicia, vice president of Common Sense Kids Action. “Trust and confidence in the security of online technologies are critically important for us all, including our children.”
Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.