CybersecurityJune is National Internet Safety Month
Private organizations and government agencies collaborate in promoting June as National Internet Safety Month; the sponsors encourage all Internet users to follow three simple steps when connecting to the Web: STOP – THINK – CONNECT; the National Cyber Security Alliance also encourages Internet users to take a few moments to teach a young person about better online safety so that they use good judgment and behavior all-year long
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a non-profit public-private partnership focused on cybersecurity awareness and education, is promoting National Internet Safety Month this June by encouraging all Internet users to follow three simple steps when connecting to the Web: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. NCSA also encourages Internet users to take a few moments to teach a young person about better online safety so that they use good judgment and behavior all-year long.
NCSA says that the National Internet Safety Month brings an opportunity to evaluate our digital behaviors and identify better ways to increase online safety. NCSA research released in November 2011 found that less than half of the U.S. population (46 percent) reports that they feel safe from viruses, malware and hackers while roughly half (48 percent) of parents are not completely confident that their kids can use the Internet safely. This data shows that Americans should be more mindful of their shared responsibility in making the Internet safer. Additionally, as young peoples’ online use increases during summer break, parents should remain committed to teaching their children how to stay safe online. To help with this, NCSA advises Web users to follow the below steps when accessing the Internet:
- STOP: Before using the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
- THINK: Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety, your kids’ safety or that of your family.
- CONNECT: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you have taken the right steps to safeguard yourself, your family and your computer.
“Everyone — youth and adults alike — can benefit from learning better Internet safety practices and should become more aware of potential threats. Recent research by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that youth ages 8-18 spend upwards of eight hours online daily while most adults spend an even greater amount of time on the Internet per day,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance. “This is why integrating these three simple steps: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. into your online experience is critical to staying safer and more secure. Considering how critical Internet access is to our daily lives, we want all Internet users to understand that they have a shared responsibility in protecting themselves online and that safer practices online help protect everyone.”
The NCSA says that STOP. THINK. CONNECT. is the first-ever coordinated public-service campaign to help digital users stay safer and more secure online. The campaign is led in the government by the U.S. DHS.
