|
National Cyber Security Alliance and Department of Homeland Security
Promote Online Safety for National Cyber Security Awareness Month
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: Kirk Whitworth, 202-282-8010
Joanna Andrade, Porter Novelli for NCSA, 408-369-4620,
joanna.andrade@porternovelli.com
September 27, 2005
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and The Department of Homeland
Security today announced the launch of key programs and events to educate
Internet users of all ages about safe online practices throughout October in
observance of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month unites entities from federal, state
and local government as well as the education and business communities, all
of whom share a common goal to educate the public and provide tools to help
them engage in safe online activity. The NCSA is recognized as a central
clearinghouse for consumer education and information about online safety.
The organization works closely with Homeland Security, the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) and a variety of other public and private organizations to
ensure that messages about online safety and security are accurate and
consistent.
Throughout the month of October, NCSA and Homeland Security will work with
key industry partners to spread the word about online safety by providing
tips and resources and hosting special events designed specifically for home
users, small businesses, and the education community. Specific activities
include:
Distributing a national public service announcement entitled "Stop, Think,
Click" which urges consumers to protect their valuable personal data through
a variety of online best practices;
Sponsoring a variety of regional events, such as small business workshops
and cyber security bootcamps, which will take consumer education to the
grassroots level; and
Promoting cyber awareness initiatives among the education community via
student assemblies, Webcasts and events at college campuses throughout the
U.S.
"Cyber Security Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the
importance of cyber security and empower all Americans to protect themselves
online and ensure that their computers are not used to attack others," said
Andy Purdy, acting director of the National Cyber Security Division at the
Department of Homeland Security.
"We share a common goal with Homeland Security and our industry partners, to
provide Americans with the tools and information they need to practice safe
online behaviors during National Cyber Security Awareness Month and
throughout the year," said Ron Teixeira, Executive Director, National Cyber
Security Alliance. "The scope and impact of existing and emerging online
threats requires an ongoing partnership between government, businesses,
schools, and consumers. Working together, we can make the Internet safer for
everyone."
For more information regarding National Cyber Security Awareness Month and
to sign up for free cyber alerts please visit:
www.staysafeonline.org.
###
About The National Cyber Security Alliance
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the National Cyber Security
Alliance (NCSA) is a central clearinghouse for cyber security awareness and
education for home users, small businesses, and the education community. A
public-private partnership, NCSA sponsors include the Department of Homeland
Security, Federal Trade Commission, and many private-sector corporations and
organizations. For more information, and to review the top 8 cyber security
practices, visit
www.staysafeonline.org.
|
|
