About Stop.Think.Connect.

The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign is a national public awareness effort that increases the understanding of cyber threats and empowers the American public to be safer and more secure online. It encourages Americans to view Internet safety as a shared responsibility–at home, in the workplace, and in our communities. The Campaign provides access to these types of resources to give Americans the tools they need to make more informed decisions when using the Internet.

Stop.Think.Connect. is part of an unprecedented effort among federal and state governments, industry, and non-profit organizations to promote safe online behavior and practices. It is a unique public-private partnership, implemented in coordination with the National Cyber Security Alliance.

More and more, Americans are using new technologies and spending more time online. Our growing dependence on technology, coupled with the increasing threat of cyber attacks, demands greater security in our online world. This presents the need for simple, easy-to-understand resources and tips to help ensure their safety and security. The Campaign provides access to these types of resources to give Americans the tools they need to make more informed decisions when using the Internet.

Campaign Goals

The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign's overarching goal is to help Americans understand not only the risks that come with using the Internet, but also the importance of practicing safe online behavior. More specifically, the Campaign aims to:

• Elevate the nation's awareness of cybersecurity and its association with national security and the safety of our personal lives.
• Engage the American public, the private sector, and state and local governments in our nation's effort to improve cybersecurity.
• Communicate approaches and strategies for the public to keep themselves, their families and their communities safer online.

History of Stop.Think.Connect.

In 2009, President Obama recognized the need to increase education and dialogue about cybersecurity. The President thereby issued the Cyberspace Policy Review, which has become the blueprint from which our nation's cybersecurity foundation will transform into an assured and resilient digital infrastructure for the future. As part of this policy review, the Department of Homeland Security was asked to create an ongoing cybersecurity awareness campaign–Stop.Think.Connect.– to help Americans understand the risks that come with being online.

The Campaign launched on October 4, 2010 in conjunction with National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The campaign, led by the Department of Homeland Security, raises awareness among the American public about the need to strengthen cybersecurity and to communicate new strategies to help Americans increase their safety and security online.

Stop.Think.Connect. was the result of an intensive collaborative effort between the Department of Homeland Security, the Online Consumer Security and Safety Messaging Convention, an effort organized by the National Cyber Security Alliance, the Anti-Phishing Working Group, key industry leaders, government agencies, and non-profits. Through these partnerships, the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign is reaching thousands of Americans, providing tips on how they can protect themselves, their families, and the nation.