December is critical infrastructure protection month

President Obama

President Obama signed a proclamation on Nov. 30 declaring December 2011 as “Critical Infrastructure Protection Month,” adding that cyber security remains a key part of that protection.

From irrigation to the Internet, said the president, the U.S.’s critical infrastructure supports an incredible array of services and industries that are essential to our continued success and prosperity. “This month, we affirm the fundamental importance of our critical infrastructure and recommit to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from hazardous events and emergencies efficiently and effectively,” he said, adding his administration is “resolute” in its dedication to a safe, secure future.”

Natural disasters, pandemic diseases, and acts of terrorism are serious risks to infrastructure and the nation needs to be prepared for them, he said. To that end, the federal government is “fortifying our partnerships with state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to close gaps in our protection programs and promote collaboration at all levels of government,” he said.  The federal government is also engaging a wide variety of private stakeholders, including critical infrastructure owners and operators, to expand and reinforce critical infrastructure protection. 

He noted that the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, has engaged individual citizens and communities across the country to help improve public safety.  “All of us have a role to play in strengthening our national security, and together, we are taking steps to foster a culture of resilience,” he said.

A large part of that resilience, he said, including the safety of transportation networks, electricity grid, financial systems, and other assets and infrastructure, relies on cyber security. “Cybersecurity remains a priority for my Administration, and we are committed to protecting our critical infrastructure by taking decisive action against cyber threats,” he said.  “To ensure the safety of our most vital operations, we are working to give public and private organizations the ability to obtain cyber security assistance quickly and effectively.  These efforts will bolster our ability to withstand any attack, whether virtual or physical,” he added.