Office of Enterprise Technology Services

HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige has proclaimed October Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Hawaii in recognition of the state’s role in identifying, protecting its citizens from, and responding to cyber threats.  The governor also marked the occasion by announcing the state’s winners in the CyberStart America national competition, which is a fun, interactive online program composed of digital challenges aimed at introducing high school students to cyber security while  encouraging them to enter the field.

There were 82 semi-finalists, of which 4 of those students became finalists and 9 students earned the scholar level.  The 9 students each received a $2,500 scholarship for the U.S. college of their choice. For a full list of the winners and their schools, visit winners.

“I am proud of all of the students who entered the competition and gained invaluable experience tackling real-life cyber challenges. We will continue to encourage and inspire more of Hawaii’s youth to explore potential careers in cybersecurity,” said Gov. David Ige.

The State continues its work on several cybersecurity initiatives, such as promoting educational opportunities like CyberStart America and developing a skilled cyber workforce by working with lower and higher education communities.  It is also working to enhance the cyber security of critical infrastructure providers.  Additionally, the State is continuing its work in improving coordination of county, city, state and federal government cyber security activities, leveraging the Fusion Center’s role in working with private sector partners to improve their cyber security posture.

“Cybersecurity is top of mind for the State and organizations globally as threats continue to increase. We are continuously working to improve and strengthen our cybersecurity strategies.  Our employees are key to the strategy as we work collaboratively to increase their cyber knowledge through trainings,” said Vincent Hoang, State Chief Information Security Officer of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services.

ETS’ partners in the State Department of Defense and the University of Hawaii are also conducting various cyber security activities this month.  For more information, visit https://dod.hawaii.gov/ohs/cyber and https://www.hawaii.edu/infosec/.

In honor of cybersecurity month, students are encouraged to enter the upcoming round of CyberStart America competition.  Registration kicks off on Oct. 5.  For more information, visit:  https://www.cyberstartamerica.org/

To learn more about the State’s cybersecurity program, visit https://ets.hawaii.gov/state-of-hawaii-cyber-security-program/.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Hawaii coincides with the national observance, recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov/cyber), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (www.cisecurity.org/ms-isac), and industry partners, which collectively encourage all citizens to learn about cybersecurity to put that knowledge into practice in their homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses.

Cybersecurity Month Proclamation

CyberStart America Flyer