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Students Of All Ages To Learn Cyber Security Best Practices
SecurityProNews
Staff Writer
2004-10-22
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School Events are Key to Local and National Online Safety Activities Driving National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a not-for-profit public-private partnership focused on driving awareness and education of cyber security for home users, small businesses, and academia, today sponsored the first in a series of nationwide events designed to teach K-12 students about cyber security best practices. The events held today at two northern Virginia schools are part of NCSA's National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which focuses on raising awareness of cyber security nationwide and empowering Americans to improve their cyber security preparedness.
Students received valuable information to help increase their online safety - including the importance of updating antivirus software regularly, choosing hard-to-guess passwords, and why it is essential not to share personal information online - during today's events at Westfield High School in Chantilly and Deer Park Elementary School in Centreville, Virginia. The students also received cyber safety information to share with their families.
"As the home of the Internet, it is fitting that Fairfax County is emphasizing the importance of cyber security and safety," said Dr. Diane Painter, recipient of the 2004 Business Software Alliance Cyber Education Champion Award and technology resource teacher at Fairfax County public schools. "The online skills students learn today and throughout their academic years will be invaluable in their home and work lives."
Speakers at today's events also featured:
-- Erik Smith, director of incident management, Department of Homeland Security National Cyber Security Division/US-CERT
-- Dr. Mary Radnofsky, president and chief executive officer, Socrates Institute
-- Steve Godwin, youth empowerment manager, i-SAFE America
"As our reliance on the Internet for education, entertainment, commerce, and communication continues to grow, the need for educational initiatives such as this is paramount," said Dr. Mary Radnofsky, president and chief executive officer, Socrates Institute. "I urge parents, educators, and those in government to make it a priority to teach online safety and ethics to students of all ages."
"Today's events illustrate the impact that local schools can have in providing students with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their computer systems online," said Ken Watson, president, National Cyber Security Alliance. "As the Internet becomes increasingly integral to the classroom, educators must continue to ensure their students adopt safe behavior online."
Similar events for students are being planned at other schools throughout the nation, the next of which is scheduled for October 26 in North Bergen, New Jersey.
About the Author:
SecurityProNews is a daily online and email publication focusing on internet security issues.
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