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Gov. George E. Pataki joined with parents, educators, legislators, law enforcement officials and more than 4,000 schoolchildren from across the State and nation via webcast Thursday for New York's first-ever Cyber Security Awareness Conference.
The Governor's office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination organized the conference in Albany, titled "Protecting our Children on the Internet," as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month - - which is being recognized in October.
The conference highlighted ways on how to keep children safe while using the Internet. "We're pleased to support Cyber Security Awareness Month, and help put the spotlight on these important issues," Gov. Pataki said. "With the onslaught of new online threats, such as sexual predators, pedophiles, computer viruses, and identity theft, it is important that New Yorkers, especially with children, understand how to be safe, smart and informed internet users."
"Computers play a significant role in virtually every aspect of our lives. This conference helps children, parents and teachers learn how to have a safe online experience and helps protect our kids from online threats," Gov. Pataki said.
The Conference featured a special portion for children, which consisted of a play entitled "Cyber Smart in Cyber Space" geared toward the 4th and 5th grade age levels, in which actors performed a cyber security-related skit and kids interact. The play uses content from CyberSmart!, an organization dedicated to teaching secure, responsible and effective Internet and computer use. It was acted out by members of the Play for Living organization, a nonprofit organization that utilizes live theater dramas to depict the real-life challenges and stresses faced on a daily basis at work, at home and in the community.
One of the plays during the conference was also broadcast live as part of a national webcast, with more than 4,000 school children across the state and nation participating. The states participating in the conference via webcast were Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the District of Columbia.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month, first established in October 2004, is a collective effort to raise cyber security awareness nationwide and to empower citizens, businesses, government, and schools to improve their cyber security preparedness and ensure a safe Internet experience.
The Governor has signed a proclamation recognizing October as Cyber Security Awareness Month http://www.cscic.state.ny.us/proclamation/05/index.htm in New York.
10-21-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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