CYBER SECURITY

WHEREAS,  the nation’s economic vitality and security depend on a vast array of interdependent and critical networks, systems, services, and resources known as cyberspace, and cyberspace has transformed the ways in which we communicate, travel, power our homes, run our economy, and provide and obtain government services; and

WHEREAS,  as we become more dependent on cyberspace, we face new risks, with adversaries working to use our dependence on cyberspace against us, and sophisticated cyber criminals and nation-states, among others, presenting risks to our economy and national security; and

WHEREAS,  critical infrastructure is defined as assets, systems, and networks, both physical and virtual, which are so vital that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, public health or safety, or any combination of those matters; and

WHEREAS, either a physical or cyber attack on such infrastructure could have significant repercussions in the nation’s cities and throughout the country; and\

WHEREAS, cyber attacks have become an increasing threat for critical infrastructure and could result in serious disruption of both government and private sector services and activities; and

WHEREAS, the Secretary of Homeland Security is charged with providing strategic guidance and coordinating the overall federal effort to promote the security and resilience of the nation's critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, mayors and city governments have a key role to play in developing robust and effective cyber security capabilities in their cities and across the nation,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors identify cyber security as a critical public safety issue of concern to mayors and cities; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and others to provide information and assistance to mayors and other city officials to raise awareness about issues affecting cyber security and efforts they can undertake to secure critical infrastructure and other resources from cyber threats.