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Online threats today are more sophisticated, damaging, and potentially dangerous than ever before. Symantec plays an important role in educating consumers about protecting themselves from online fraud, theft of personal information, and other cybercrimes. We participate in public-policy initiatives and law-enforcement efforts geared towards detecting and deterring cybercrimes. We also support the development of the next generation of cybersecurity talent through our internship and scholarship programs.
Symantec promotes cybersafety through a wide range of consumer education and awareness efforts. We maintain up-to-date resources on our website, we partner with nonprofit organizations to reach special populations, and we encourage our employees to share their cybersafety expertise with their local schools and communities.
A key initiative is the twice-yearly publication of our Internet Security Threats Report (ISTR), which provides a concise analysis of threat activity and includes documentation of vulnerabilities, malicious code, phishing, spam, security risks, and future trends. We research and compile this report and make it freely available on our website so that global awareness of internet security trends can continue to grow.
Preventing online fraud
Perhaps the most worrisome threat to many consumers is that of online fraud; the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that 1 in 25 Americans is a victim. In response, Symantec has created an online cybercrime website that includes tips and resources for avoiding and responding to online fraud. We provide easy-to-follow explanations of common cyberthreats, such as spyware, "Trojan horses", and "bots", so that consumers know what to look for when confronted with unfamiliar email messages, files, or programs.
Symantec also conducts a variety of educational programs around internet risks. We joined forces with the FTC to inform consumers about online fraud by providing information on how to spot phishing e-mails and prevent the theft of personal, confidential information.
Protecting our children
Symantec is committed to helping parents keep their kids “cybersafe”. We believe that in the same way that we educate our children about the risks of drugs, smoking, or violence, it is critical that we educate them about the importance of safe computing.
We have developed free cybersafety educational tools for parents, which we will update regularly to address new and emerging risks to children's online safety.
Please visit our Family Resource Web site.
Symantec supports nonprofit organizations that promote internet safety and participates in joint activities and initiatives. For example, we partner with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), an organization of companies, educational institutions, and government agencies whose aim is to educate home users, children, and small businesses about the importance of computer security. Through its website, www.staysafeonline.org, NCSA offers parents a self-guided cybersecurity test, educational resources, and other valuable tools to safeguard their home computers.
Symantec also works with the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, an organization that provides cybersafety educational resources geared towards schools and families with school-aged children. The coalition's web site, www.ikeepsafe.org, contains an array of child-friendly tools aimed at teaching children to safely navigate cyberspace.
In our efforts to protect children in the United States from computer-facilitated sexual abuse and exploitation, Symantec recently funded the Web Wise Kids Project Safe Childhood program. This national initiative, headed by the Attorney General of the United States, reduces online victimization of youth by educating children about internet safety.
Symantec also partnered with One Economy to add Internet Security content to their online information portal, The Beehive. This resource ensures that low-income families and new broadband users have the tools and resources necessary to protect their families.
Additionally, by working with i-SAFE, Symantec supports their mission to empower K-12 youth worldwide, through education, with the critical thinking and decision-making skills they need to exercise responsible online behavior.
Contributing to cybersafe communities
Symantec employees have a deep understanding of the risks facing computer users. We tap this internal resource to offer programs that benefit our local schools and communities.
We are also in the process of implementing an employee-led education program. Symantec volunteers will visit schools to educate parents, teachers, and children about best practices in computer security.
Working with governments around the world
Symantec works closely with US policymakers to raise awareness of the importance of computer safety. For example, in 2005 Symantec worked with legislatures in more than thirty states to designate October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. These efforts resulted in heightened awareness among consumers and policymakers of the importance of cybersecurity and the steps that users must take to protect themselves.
Symantec coordinates with national and international governments and law-enforcement agencies to ensure that they have the training and resources needed to aggressively pursue and capture cybercriminals. We promote the ratification of the Council of Europe Cybercrime Treaty, which would harmonize a number of important anticybercrime statutes in key jurisdictions, including the United States. Ratification would help law enforcement officials track and capture cybercriminals who cross international boundaries to avoid prosecution.
In the United States, Symantec brings together law-enforcement agencies to develop strategies for coordinating and improving governmental responses to cyberthreats.
Symantec is committed to fostering the next generation of experts in cybersecurity. We partner with a number of leading educational institutions, including Purdue University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California system, to provide financial support to students in cybersecurity through scholarships, fellowships, and sponsorships.
We also provide internships for students in cybersecurity. These students work onsite at Symantec's research labs, learning valuable skills that they can then use in both their academic training and future careers. Many Symantec interns eventually join our company as full-time employees.
