LOS ANGELES — Nov. 14, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Get Net Safe tour, designed to help people learn how to become more safe and secure on the Internet, will stop in Los Angeles for several days, starting today. The multiple-stop tour, with events Nov. 14–16 in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, 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.
“Protecting your family, your information and your PC is about understanding the risks, having clear guidance for safe online behavior and using technology where it can help,” said Sandi Thomas, general manager of Microsoft’s Southern California region. “The Get Net Safe tour events will help provide tips and information for people to understand how to recognize risks and take action.”
“Boys & Girls Clubs of America is committed to providing a safe, positive place for our youth to learn and grow. Because technology, specifically the Internet, has become so predominant, Boys & Girls Clubs of America understands the importance of teaching kids how to use the Internet and how to use it safely,” said Lorraine Howerton, senior vice president for Government Relations for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “The Get Net Safe Tour has allowed BGCA to highlight how the more than 3,900 Clubs across the U.S. are teaching Club members how to be safer online.”
The tour combines the resources of national organizations to host a series of seminars, luncheons and school assemblies throughout the greater Los Angeles 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:
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AARP and Microsoft® Internet safety seminars
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1–3 p.m. at Delhi Community Center in Santa Ana
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center in Oxnard
Co-sponsored by Microsoft and the AARP
People will learn how to protect their PCs, identify common Internet scams and keep their personal information secure. -
NCMEC and i-SAFE parent nights
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m. at Lowell Elementary School in Long Beach; sponsored by NCMEC
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 5 p.m at Hope Center Academy in Compton and Thursday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. at Baldwin Park Performing Arts Center; sponsored by i-SAFE
Parents and guardians will be introduced to the possible dangers of the Internet and learn how to keep kids safe while enjoying the benefits of the Internet. -
Internet Safety Fair
Thursday, Nov. 16, 3–6 p.m. at Challengers Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles; sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Geek Squad, NCMEC and Microsoft
An interactive hands-on fair with a presentation for the kids and an opportunity for parents to learn how to keep kids safe online.
More information about the Get Net Safe tour and safe Internet practices can be found online at http://www.staysafe.org.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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