Microsoft collaborates with National Cyber Security Alliance to help make the web safer for you, more secure for all

Microsoft collaborates with National Cyber Security Alliance to help make the web safer for you, more secure for all

The constantly evolving nature of connected devices, social engineering, and online risks, such as online bullying and privacy violations, as well as malicious software (malware), highlight the need for effective and trustworthy privacy and security resources for consumers. Because no single entity can address these issues alone, Microsoft works with other organizations to share necessary resources and expertise. NCSA partnership Microsoft has partnered with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) since its inception nearly a decade ago. Founded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), NCSA's mission is to help increase awareness of Internet safety and security and to educate people about how they can help protect themselves and their devices. Microsoft works with the NCSA on many issues and activities, including strategic programs and projects, market

Video: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. (:33)

research, and industry and public outreach. Michael Kaiser, NCSA Executive Director, says, "NCSA's foundation is its partnership and collaboration with all of our member companies, and Microsoft is no exception. Working to raise awareness and help educate consumers about staying safer online is a responsibility shared among industry, government, non-profits, and consumers alike."

As part of Microsoft's partnership with the NCSA, Jacqueline Beauchere, Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Communications Director, has been an active NCSA Board member since August 2005 and is currently serving as Vice Chair. Beauchere says, "We're honored to be part of such an important group doing noteworthy work in security, privacy, and online safety. We've already seen tremendous progress, reducing risks such as spam and phishing, and we will continue to partner with groups such as the NCSA to help make it safer and more secure for people and their families when they go online."

Each year, the NCSA partners with numerous players in industry, business, and government to sponsor National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). In 2010, Howard Schmidt, Special Assistant to the President and Cyber Security Coordinator, launched the group's "STOP. THINK. CONNECT." (STC) campaign at the official kickoff to NCSAM at the Seattle Public Library. (Watch the video.)

STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

In June 2009, Microsoft joined the NCSA, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), and other industry members, including AT&T, Facebook, Google, and Symantec to develop one common message for businesses, government agencies, industry, NGOs, and others to use when communicating with consumers about staying safer online. The STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention grew out of that collaboration. (For details, read Microsoft on the Issues.)

Microsoft has played an active role in helping to design, develop, and deliver on the campaign. Since 2010, Tiffany Teichrow, Marketing Manager in the Trustworthy Computing Communications Group, has served as the first industry representative to the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Board. Teichrow says, "It is a privilege to be a member of the board and part of the national campaign. I'm encouraged to see the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. guidance become part of everyone's daily online routine." In April 2011, Microsoft created several, short public service announcement-type videos, which received a Department of Homeland Security certificate of achievement for the National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign. We encourage youth, parents, educators, and businesses to visit STOP. THINK. CONNECT. and learn how you can help keep yourselves and others safer online.