 |
Press Contact:
Joanna Andrade
Porter Novelli for NCSA
408-369-4620
joanna.andrade@porternovelli.com
NCSA awareness campaign addresses consumers' growing concern
about online safety — Reinforces the importance of safe cyber security
practices and behaviors
WASHINGTON, DC — September 30, 2005 — 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 kick-off
of the second annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a
national collaborative effort by the Department of Homeland Security,
the Federal Trade Commission, state governments, major universities
and the Internet industry to educate Internet users of all ages
about safe online practices.
Although the scope and cost of identity theft are vast, it is
clear consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about online
identity theft and/or phishing, and are limiting online activities
because of these threats. According to a recent survey*, Internet
users are less likely to open unknown email, provide personal information
and contribute to charities online, due to fears about identity
theft. Additionally, the individuals polled think they are 50 percent
more likely to become a victim of a phishing scam in the upcoming
year than they are to experience a home break-in.
In an effort to curb growing concerns and increase awareness,
the NCSA is focusing its efforts throughout the month of October,
and beyond, to educate Internet users on how to protect themselves
online. According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft
has become an epidemic in the U.S. Every year, as many as ten million
Americans are victimized by this crime, at a cost of more than $50
billion. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC) reports that hijacking consumers' bank accounts is the fastest
growing form of identity theft, and 70% of fraud victims in 2004,
reported they used online banking and paid their bills on the Internet.
"Phishing attacks and identity theft not only harm consumers as
individuals, they undermine the public's trust in vital online activities
such as online shopping, banking and even e-mail use," said Ron
Teixeira, Executive Director, National Cyber Security Alliance.
"Our goal during National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to shine
a spotlight on this issue, and provide consumers, small businesses
and the education community with tools and practical advice to protect
against this growing problem."
* According to a September 2005 omnibus survey conducted by NCSA
with Russell Research
Although consumers are clearly concerned about criminal threats
online, they don't necessarily know what precautions and practices
they can take to drastically reduce the risks of becoming an identity
theft victim. That is why National Cyber Security Awareness Month
will feature a number of national and local multi-media events that
will highlight practical steps that consumers can take to stay safe
online. Some of these events will include:
- 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;
- Regional Small Business Cyber Security Workshops, which are
sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Small Business
Administration, National Institute of Science and Technology and
Multi-State ISAC;
- A Cyber Safety Multi-Media Event, featuring New York Governor
George Pataki
- Numerous Cyber Security Awareness events on College Campuses
all over the country; and
- Governors and Congress declaring October National Cyber Security
Awareness Month
These are only a few events that will occur on the national, state
and local levels in October. All these events are geared to make
consumers aware how cyber security is necessary to ease the minds
of consumers, prevent online identity theft and provide users with
tools to combat this threat.
"Although we will be increasing the volume of our message during
October, online safety is a mission that must be accomplished on
a daily basis," said Teixeira. "The scope and impact of existing
and emerging online threats requires an ongoing partnership between
government, businesses, schools and consumers. Working together,
we can provide Americans with the tools and information they need
to practice of safe online behaviors during October and throughout
the year."
For more information regarding National Cyber Security Awareness
Month and 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.
|
