NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY ALLIANCE EDUCATES THE PUBLIC
ABOUT CORE SECURITY PROTECTIONS THIS OCTOBER

For Release:
September 28, 2006

Press Contact:
Mara Ritti
415-975-2277
mara.ritti@porternovelli.com

Campaign For National Cyber Security Awareness Month Focuses On "Cyber Security: Make It A Habit

WASHINGTON, DC – September 28, 2006 –  The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a not-for-profit, public-private partnership focused on increasing online security awareness among home users, small business and the education community, today announced the launch of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  This year’s campaign,  “Cyber Security. Make it a Habit,” is NCSA’s third annual, nationwide effort to educate Internet users of all ages about safe and secure online practices. 

According to the AOL/NCSA Online Safety Study, 80 percent of all consumers do not properly secure their computers, leaving their personal and financial information vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves.  To help ensure that consumers do not fall prey to cyber crime, NCSA’s campaign will focus on encouraging the public to perform three core protections – install antivirus and anti-spyware programs, install a firewall and regularly update operating systems and security software – with the same proactive intention they use in locking their front door at night or turning on their car alarm.

“During the month of October, we are asking the public to be more conscientious and diligent about cyber security,” said Ron Teixeira, executive director of NCSA. “Research shows that although people know about online threats and preventive measures, many are simply not taking the steps to stay safe online. We are asking people to ‘Make Cyber Security a Habit’ so that they will not only practice security habits during October but make these habits part of their regular computer security routine.”

Throughout the month of October, NCSA will work with industry partners to spread the word about online safety by providing tips and tools, and hosting special events designed for home-users, small businesses and the education community. Specific activities include:

• Small Business Workshops
• National Public Service Campaign
• Congressional Resolution
• Lesson Plans/Curriculum to be distributed to teachers nationwide
• State Department Employee Education Program
• Get Net Safe Tour
• Social Networking Survey: As part of NCSA's overall mission to increase awareness about online safety issues, this year's campaign will also unveil research about the security risks associated with popular social networking sites such as MySpace, FaceBook, Friendster

For more information regarding National Cyber Security Awareness Month, how to get involved, and for online safety tips, 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.