Governor Josh Green has declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Hawai‘i, emphasizing the state's role in identifying and responding to cyber threats. Governor Green stated, “Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to increase the understanding of cyber threats and empowers the public to be safer and more secure online.” He highlighted the importance of raising awareness about cyber risks and promoting safe online practices.
The proclamation supports various cybersecurity initiatives, including educational opportunities like CyberStart America and developing a skilled cyber workforce. Hawai‘i Chief Information Officer Christine Sakuda remarked on the growing dependence on technology, saying, “We must all do our part to reduce cyber threats impacting the public and private sectors.”
This observance aligns with national efforts by organizations such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and industry partners, encouraging citizens to apply cybersecurity knowledge at home, work, and school.
Efforts are underway to enhance cybersecurity for critical infrastructure providers and improve coordination among different levels of government. Vincent Hoang from the Office of Enterprise Technology Services noted, “Our reliance on interconnected technology reminds us that being more secure online is a shared responsibility.”
The state Department of Law Enforcement's Office of Homeland Security is involved in planning and training to prevent government cyber threats. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Office of Consumer Protection works on identifying potential personal cybersecurity attacks.
Other partner agencies include CISA, MS-ISAC, NASCIO, and NCA. During this month, MS-ISAC offers a "Cybersecurity Toolkit" designed to help users adopt effective cybersecurity behaviors.