Staff from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the White House and the US Secret Service officially launched National Cybersecurity Awareness Month today at a special event in Washington.

The series of events and programmes is intended to focus attention on securing business, consumer and state networks from attack. The initiative hopes to see businesses around the world adding sections on cyber security to their web sites and educating staff about safe behaviour online.

DHS secretary Janet Napolitano said at the launch that her organisation is looking to hire 1,000 IT professionals to help secure the national critical infrastructure, most of which is run by private companies.

"Effective cyber security requires all partners - individuals, communities, government entities and the private sector - to work together to protect our networks and strengthen our cyber resiliency," she said.

"This new hiring authority will enable the DHS to recruit the best cyber analysts, developers and engineers in the world to serve their country by leading the nation's defences against cyber threats."

The DHS will be hiring as part of a three-year programme to increase the number of personnel skilled in cyber risk and strategic analysis, cyber incident response, vulnerability detection and assessment, intelligence and investigation, and network and systems engineering.

Google has voiced its support for the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and will provide tools for businesses and consumers to increase their security.

"Throughout October, we'll be raising awareness of important internet security and safety issues that will teach you how to be an informed web user," said the firm in a blog post.

"Keep an eye on our various product blogs, as we'll be sharing tips that are tailored to users of Google products and services. To kick off the series, visit our newly created Google Cyber Security Awareness channel on YouTube to watch a variety of online safety videos created by individuals and groups with an interest in cyber security."