November 1, 2018, Albany, NY - The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) today announced that it received the National Cyber Security Alliance Cyber Secure Community Award. NCSA announced the first-ever awards to highlight organizations that exemplify excellence in cyber security and help everyone stay safer and more secure online.

The Cyber Secure Community Award was established by NCSA to honor work that promotes cyber security as a shared responsibility. NCSA recognized ITS with this award for its efforts to positively impact the community at large through its cyber security awareness and outreach programs.

Robert H. Samson, New York State Chief Information Officer, said, “I am thrilled that ITS was honored by the National Cyber Security Alliance with the first ever Cyber Secure Community Award. Here in New York State, we are working diligently with our partners to create awareness about cyber security to help keep New Yorkers safe from cyber criminals. This award is a testament to the hard work of many people within ITS, especially those within the Chief Information Security Office. Under the leadership of Deborah Snyder, New York’s Chief Information Security Officer, this talented team is dedicated to keeping New York’s critical assets safe and delivering innovation that matters for all New Yorkers.”

Deborah Snyder, New York State Chief Information Security Officer, said, “Thank you to the National Cyber Security Alliance for this award. For many years, New York State has been leading the way with our cyber security awareness and outreach programs to promote the importance of cyber security throughout the State. We have an amazing team at ITS and I'm grateful for their efforts to consistently find new and creative ways to help teach New Yorkers about safe online practices. As National Cyber Security Awareness Month comes to an end, this award is a great reminder of the impact of our work.”

Russ Schrader, Executive Director of NCSA, said, “It is very timely to present the NCSA Awards at the close of the 15th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. These awards recognize excellence in digital safety and the timing could not be more appropriate to honor those companies that have gone above and beyond the norm in helping to keep not only their workplaces but everyone safer and more secure. ITS has made tremendous investments, and we are thrilled to bring greater awareness and recognition to their commitment to cybersecurity.”

ITS was honored with the Cyber Secure Community Award for the year-round programs it organizes to generate a high level of cyber security awareness by reminding every New Yorker and State employee that they have a responsibility to be cyber aware both at home and at work.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo proclaimed October 2018 as Cyber Security Awareness Month in the Empire State. Cyber Security Awareness Month is part of an annual national campaign to engage and educate the public about cyber security and provide tools and resources to stay safe online. National Cyber Security Awareness Month is observed each October and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and NCSA in cooperation with the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center and the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.

NCSA is the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in government, industry and civil society.

For more information on Cyber Security Awareness Month, please visit https://its.ny.gov/eiso/NCSAM.