Whereas, Citizens throughout the State of Michigan use the Internet to keep in contact with family and friends, manage their finances, buy goods and services and get the latest news; and,

Whereas, The primary and secondary schools of Michigan use the Internet to enhance the education of our youth by providing them access to online educational and research materials; and,

Whereas, The use of information technology at institutions of higher education is integral in teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and service; and,

Whereas, Public libraries provide access to networked computers, online databases, and other resources to the public; and,

Whereas, Businesses of Michigan use information systems and networks to manage their businesses and expand their customer reach; and,

Whereas, Critical sectors are increasingly reliant on information systems to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, health care, and emergency response systems; and,

Whereas, Internet users and our information infrastructure face an increasing threat of malicious attack by viruses and loss of privacy from spyware and adware; and,

Whereas, Each year there are significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft and fraud; and,

Whereas, The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) was established in January 2003, to provide a collaborative mechanism to help states enhance cyber security; and,

Whereas, There are national organizations, such as the non-profit National Cyber Security Alliance, policymakers, government agencies, private sector companies, and non-profit entities helping consumers, businesses, educational leaders and our youth to protect themselves online; and,

Whereas, Each one of us plays an important role in securing our cyberspace and awareness of computer security essentials will improve the security of Michigan’s information infrastructure and economy; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2004, as Cyber Security Awareness Month.