Microsoft Security Response Alliance Unites Global Internet Service Providers to Educate Consumers About Online Safety

REDMOND, Wash. — June 15, 2006 — As a part of the Microsoft Security Response Alliance (MSRA)’s charter to help protect computer users from online threats, Microsoft Corp. led a group of global Internet service providers (ISPs) today in announcing Protect Yourself This Summer, a weeklong effort beginning June 19 aimed at educating consumers about ways they can be more safe online this summer. Internet security is an increasingly important issue as people all over the world use computers to interact with friends, conduct business and keep track of their finances. The participating organizations will educate consumers through their main portal sites by providing people with specific guidance about ways to protect their families, their information and their PC.

Participating organizations include EarthLink Inc., AT&T, Cox Communications Inc., MSN and Shaw Communications Inc. from North America; TDC Ltd., T-Online and LINKdotNET from Europe and the Middle East; and NTT Communications and SOFTBANK BB Corp. from Japan.

“As a company, Microsoft is committed to helping consumers stay safe online, and a big part of this effort is making sure our customers have the resources to understand how to use the Internet safely,” said Kristin Johnsen, senior director of Security Outreach at Microsoft. “With kids home from school, computer usage can increase during the summer months in many households around the globe. We are excited to be a part of the Protect Yourself This Summer effort to help get the word out about online safety and security worldwide.”

The Protect Yourself This Summer effort is a part of the broader work of the MSRA, an organization formed by Microsoft to enable industry partners to share information and best practices about ways to help protect customers from online threats. The group builds on well-established processes for providing customers with security guidance and resources through existing partnerships, including the Global Infrastructure Alliance for Internet Safety, Microsoft Virus Information Alliance, Microsoft Virus Initiative, Microsoft Security Cooperation Program and Microsoft Security Support Alliance. More information about the MSRA is available at http://www.microsoft.com/security/msra.

“EarthLink has long been dedicated to working with our peers in the industry to develop the best practices and standards for consumer protection,” said David Black, director of security and risk management for EarthLink. “By participating in this industry effort, we are encouraging continued public education and ongoing collaboration among all companies to enhance online safety and security.”

Beginning June 19, each ISP participating in the Protect Yourself This Summer campaign will post specific guidance on its site addressing the following categories of protection:

  • Protect your family. Guidance will focus on ways families can talk about and help protect themselves from dangers such as online predators.

  • Protect yourself. Consumers will learn how to help protect their personal information while online to avoid identity theft, spam and credit card fraud.

  • Protect your PC. Consumers will learn simple steps they can take to better protect their PC from threats such as spyware.

“We are excited to provide this guidance to our customers, as we are always looking for ways to improve the way we deliver security education,” said Fukuchi Michikazu, deputy division director of SOFTBANK BB Corp. of Japan. “The Protect Yourself This Summer effort helps in reaching this goal as we take a step forward in ensuring computer users worldwide, including our customers, have the tools to stay safe while using the Internet.”

More information about the Protect Yourself This Summer effort can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security or at the Web sites of participating partners.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

Related Posts