National Cyber Awareness Month
It’s October. The leaves are turning. The weather is cooling. Kids are immersed in school and people everywhere are turning their attention to National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
This campaign is designed to educate everyone on cyber threats and how to safeguard themselves at home, work and school. A division of the Department of Homeland Security is leading this charge. So far, they’ve recruited 28 state governors to sign a proclamation in recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month and 51 endorsements were given by companies, non-profits, universities and government agencies. The U.S. House of Representatives even passed a resolution declaring October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Glad to see they’re getting something done.
In observance of this landmark month, Verizon is encouraging its customers to take advantage of its security tools - some of them FREE. Verizon says their tools, like Security Advisor, will help people assess their vulnerability to Internet-based threats and to keep their children safe online. In fact, Security Advisor can provide you with an instant diagnosis of your PC’s security status and detects whether essential anti-virus, anti-spyware and personal firewall protection is in place.
One startling statistic: Verizon estimates that 65% of its PC customers have inadequate or no online security software protection.
Verizon also offers customers free parental controls and has launched a Parental Control Center offering software downloads and tips for parents.
Folks, the Internet is nothing to fool around with. You know that. Let us all learn from National Cyber Security Awareness Month and take responsibility for the health of our computers.
October 7th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Clearly the Internet can be a dangerous place. Knowledge is power however, and in that vein and in recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, CyberPatrol (Parental Controls) has just launched an Online Safety Video Series.
The aim of the series of brief family-oriented lessons is to provide parents, educators and others with quick and accessible advice on how to protect children from predators, cyber bullies, inappropriate material and other online threats.
The first video posted today - http://www.cyberpatrol.com/safetyseries.asp - gives parents advice on having a conversation about Internet Safety with the entire family. Additional videos will be released during the month of October.
The series was produced with and is presented by internationally known Internet Safety and Technology expert and author Linda Criddle, President of LOOKBOTHWAYS, Inc., a corporation that provides consulting to state and national governments, law enforcement agencies and other organizations committed to promoting online safety.
October 10th, 2008 at 3:32 am
[...] FYI we found a great site that is really helping parents and teens both learn about and be more safe online and creating awareness for all of us to be more pro-active! It is time for a Teen Check Up… So what it is you would like to see as a result of National Cyber Security Awareness Month? [...]
October 13th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
[...] The best source of information about online security is the National Cyber Security Alliance, which set up a special website with 8 best practices to stay safe online, at http://www.staysafeonline.org. There is also a wealth of information and other links, courtesy of the kind folks at Teen Checkup. [...]