Children Aged 11 to 14 Face Growing Risk of Internet Abductions - Almost 800 Cases Reported in North America in 1998

Symantec Canada Sponsors Missing Project - A Canada-Wide Initiative to Educate Families and Teachers on Internet Safety

TORONTO, Ont. - February 2, 2000 - Symantec Canada today announced their sponsorship of the Missing Project. An initiative designed to educate children, parents and teachers about the dangers posed by predators on the Internet.

Internet predators are a growing threat for families. In North America alone, almost 800 children went missing in 19981. In the past, predators have abducted children from schoolyards, parks and from the street. Today, predators have turned to the Internet to find their victims. Lurking in chat rooms, and monitoring online conversations, Internet predators have the ability to disguise their identities. Predators form relationships, showering a child with money, gifts and praise. By the time the predator suggests a meeting, the child leaves home freely, leaving no evidence behind. Children between the ages of 11 and 14 are generally targeted because at that age they are easily susceptible to advances and also use computers both at home and at school.

The Missing Project comes in the form of an educational kit, which includes a computer game and a workbook for teachers and parents enabling them to start a dialogue with their children. This interactive computer game will take the child through a real life abduction scenario and is designed to open a dialogue between the parent or teacher and child about the need to protect themselves against Internet predators.

Through the help of Symantec Canada and the Mounted Police Foundation, over 18,000 Missing kits will be distributed to schools and libraries across Canada. Symantec Canada chose to sponsor this program because they feel strongly about Internet safety and educating Canadian families. As a world leader in Internet content security, Symantec is well positioned to understand the perils of the Internet.

"The Internet is growing at a tremendous rate," said Chris Monnette, General Manager Symantec Canada. "We are able to instantly connect to family and friends and have access to more information than ever before. However, this tremendous connectivity if not monitored or controlled by parents, could place our children at risk. We felt compelled to help families educate themselves about the horrible reality of Internet abductions."

About Symantec in Canada:
With 250 employees, Symantec's Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto with offices in Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. For information on Symantec products or current promotions, contact the Canadian office at (416) 441-3676 or access Symantec's Canadian Web Site. Symantec is an active member of the Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST).

About Symantec
Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides content security solutions to enterprise organisations and helps companies manage and support workforces that use computers and other mobile devices.

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Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.