14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Corp. announced the kickoff of the Get Net Safe tour in Phoenix, which is designed to help people learn how to become more safe and secure on the Internet. The multiple-stop tour - with events Aug. 22-24 in Phoenix, the East Valley and the West Valley - will give children, teens, parents, business owners and people over 50 the opportunity to participate in unique forums about how to be better protected online.
The Get Net Safe tour was created by Microsoft and 10 partner organizations to help raise awareness of computing security and Internet safety among PC users. A recent study conducted by Microsoft and RT Strategies Inc. (http://www.rtstrategies.com) found that although 74 percent of respondents believe they have the skills to protect themselves online, more than half (57 percent) are not sure they know enough to effectively protect their information.
"The Get Net Safe tour events will provide resources for people to understand how to help protect their PCs, themselves, their businesses and their families online, so they can realize the full potential of the Internet," said Jack Braman, general manager of the Phoenix-based Desert Mountain District at Microsoft.
"I'm delighted that Microsoft and its partners are helping keep our families safe on the Internet," said Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, who is delivering a keynote at several Get Net Safe tour events. "The state of Arizona places a high priority on Internet safety. I encourage families to enjoy the Internet as a valuable resource and use the tools Microsoft and its partners have provided to do so safely."
The tour combines the resources of 11 national organizations to host a series of seminars, luncheons and school assemblies throughout the greater Phoenix area to heighten awareness and provide people with tools and information for using the Internet more safely. Participating organizations are AARP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Geek Squad - 24 Hour Computer Support Task Force, GetNetWise, i-SAFE Inc., Microsoft, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard Online, and the Department of Commerce.
From May through December, the tour will stop in Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Dallas; Detroit; Los Angeles; New York; Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Seattle; and Washington, D.C. The following activities are open to the public:
￭ Parent nights. (Wednesday, Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m., Oakwood Elementary, Peoria, sponsored by NCMEC; Wednesday, Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m., Madison School District, Phoenix, sponsored by i-SAFE). Adults take action with experts at informative and interactive Internet safety forums.
￭ AARP Internet safety seminar. (Thursday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m., Devonshire Senior Center, Phoenix) Participants learn how to avoid online scams and best protect their PC and personal information.
￭ Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Internet safety fair. (Thursday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m., Hartley & Ruth Barker Branch, Scottsdale) Children and parents learn how to be safe on the Internet.
More information about the Get Net Safe tour and safe Internet practices can be found online at http://www.staysafe.org.