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WASHINGTON, DC — 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.
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