Q&A with Kristin Judge of the Washtenaw County Cyber Citizenship Coalition

With National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2011 fast approaching, the NCSA is asking our collaborators how they will be recognizing the month. Today, we spoke with Kristin Judge, Washtenaw County Commissioner of District 7. Kristin helped to establish the Washtenaw County Cyber Citizenship Coalition, a local initiative in Washtenaw, Michigan, that seeks to raise awareness and provide county residents with the tools and resources to be good cyber citizens.

Q: Why is National Cyber Security Awareness Month important to your organization?
A: As the host of the National Kick-off Event, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight a program that is successful because of local, state and federal public and private partners all working together.  It allows us an opportunity to highlight the education and awareness efforts we have been working on during the year.  NCSAM also gives us a platform for asking local/state government bodies to pass resolutions in support which further increases exposure in the community and to the policy makers.

Q: Who are you trying to reach through your efforts?
Our main focus of the month is our 2011 Michigan Cybersecurity Summit, and we are including tracks in law enforcement, education, business, government and home users.  There will be educational opportunities for all residents.

Q: Who are you collaborating with on your efforts?
A: NCSA, MS-ISAC, State of Michigan, Office of the Governor, Department of Homeland Security, our local universities and colleges, non-profits and our corporate partners.

Q: Do you plan on incorporating the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign into your plans?
A: STC is on our registration page for our event, it will be prominently displayed at our event, and we will be talking about it during the event.  We have schools sending STC messages home in first day folders throughout the county. STC will be a part of everything we do in October and moving forward.

Q: What tips can you give others who want to participate in the month or in general cybersecurity awareness?
A: Utilize the resources that are available to you.  Find resources in your community. Every community has someone who has been working on cybersecurity!