Get Net Safe Tour
Helping people better protect themselves, their families and their PCs
An increasing number of people are using the Internet for work and pleasure. 68% of Americans are now online, which means online security is critical to safeguarding yourself and your family. But surprisingly, more than 80% of online Americans have not taken the appropriate computer protection measures and are at risk for online criminal activity or virus and spyware problems (Pew Internet and American Life Project, August 9, 2005 and AOL/National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Online Safety Study, December 2005), and 79% of people want to learn more about how to protect themselves from viruses and spyware (Internet Security Threats, Better Business Bureau, November 22, 2005).
As the power and global reach of the Internet has grown, unfortunately so has the sophistication and organization of online criminal activity. Just as there are risks in the physical world, there are also risks in the online world and people need to understand how they can protect themselves. Most folks wouldn’t walk through a dark alley alone at night, and thus they should be careful about where they go on the Internet. Online safety is a serious issue; however, there are easy steps people can take to protect themselves from these risks.
While it is hard to say why exactly the average consumer is unaware of the risks the internet poses, one reason may simply be because they do not feel as though they are specifically in harm’s way. Many people believe that they are taking the right precautions; however, they do not have the appropriate resources to ensure they are protected. For example, a consumer may believe that they are running an AV software, only to find out that it actually expired months ago. The organizations taking part in this effort believe that making consumers aware of the risks that exist and educating them on how to mitigate those risks will go a long way in helping them stay protected while online.
The Get Net Safe Tour is a joint initiative between partners in government, non-government and Microsoft designed to raise consumers’ awareness of computing security and Internet Safety so they can help better protect their PC’s, their information and their families.
The Get Net Safe tour consists of 12 partners, including: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), The Department of Commerce, AARP, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, i-SAFE America, RSVP, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, GetNetWise/Internet Education Foundationg, National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Microsoft Corp. and Best-Buy/Geek Squad. Many of the partners involved in this effort already have existing programs in place to educate people, and the Get Net Safe Tour will combine the guidance from these efforts into one collective and cohesive effort to help heighten the awareness around online safety.
During a tour of 12 U.S. cities experts will visit school assemblies and parents’ nights, local community and senior events, business luncheons and Internet fairs to help give people the tools and information they need to act. In addition to getting help and information at these events, anyone can visit staysafe.org and see how security and safety may be an issue for some of their favorite online activities.
The tour will be visiting the following cities:
Washington DC – May 16 -18
Boston, MA – June 6-8
Phoenix – August 22-24
Dallas – August 29-31
Chicago – Sept. 12-14
Detroit – Sept. 26-28
New York City – Oct. 10-12
Philadelphia – Oct. 17-19
Charlotte – Oct. 24-26
Los Angeles – Nov. 14-16
Seattle – Nov. 28-30
Orlando – December 5-7
Any organization can help in the effort to educate people by linking to www.staysafe.org, or by downloading and using free informational content we’ll make available here.
