Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2023

President Biden proclaimed October 2023 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, calling on Americans, businesses, and institutions to improve cybersecurity practices and pursue cyber careers. The proclamation recaps prior administration cybersecurity initiatives but establishes no new binding requirements.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 68423

Key directives

proclaim October 2023 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month
call upon people, businesses, and institutions to recognize importance of cybersecurity
call upon businesses and institutions to better protect against cyber threats
call upon businesses and institutions to create opportunities for cyber jobs
encourage Americans to use multifactor authentication, update software, use strong passwords, avoid suspicious links

Timeline

Immediate

October 2023 designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Near term (90d)

voluntary public awareness activities expected during October 2023

Long term

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Risks & tensions

non-binding 'call upon' language with no enforcement mechanism
voluntary business participation only for cited programs (U.S. Cyber Trust Mark)
references to prior executive actions and legislation but does not create new authorities