ESET Announces “Securing Our eCity” – A New Public Education Initiative to Promote Cyber Security

SAN DIEGO– April 21, 2009 – ESET, the leader in proactive threat protection, today announced Securing Our eCity, a new initiative to educate and protect consumers and businesses from the growing threat of cybercrime, which the FBI ranks as the third-greatest threat to U.S. national security, after nuclear war and weapons of mass destruction.

According to a recent national poll of more than 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Competitive Edge Research and Communication Inc., the public is getting the message. 70 percent of survey respondents indicated that cybercrime is a very serious concern, and more than 65 percent feel their local government ought to be doing more to address the growing problem.

The Securing Our eCity initiative is designed to address cyber security on a global scale through educational programs, tools and technologies, and coordination with legislative and law enforcement agencies. The first phase of Securing Our eCity has already begun on a local level with a series of regional educational events organized with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The most recent event, entitled, “Securing the Perimeter: A Public-Private Sector Discussion on Cyber Security,” took place on April 10 at San Diego State University and brought together more than 100 technology and security experts to address the topic of cyber security.

The initiative’s website also includes educational resources developed by cyber security experts to help users better understand cybercrime and how to protect themselves. Available tools include educational videos, podcasts, articles and best practices guides.

“As a member of the global community, ESET is dedicated to helping computer users understand and protect themselves from the growing risks associated with online activity,” said Anton Zajac, CEO of ESET, LLC. “We believe that education starts in our own backyard, and in leading this initiative, we aim to educate and promote best practices for cyber security. We would like to help make the U.S. the world’s safest online nation.”

According to the poll, more than 23 million U.S. residents have been victims of identity theft, yet when asked, “How is malicious software delivered?” responses varied widely, indicating that users either have been effected by multiple online vectors or simply do not know that they are being victimized. 

Securing Our eCity was created to educate computer users about online risk factors, including the various ways they could fall victim to cybercrime, and how to protect themselves. Additional objectives include:

• Developing resources and funding for cybercrime prevention
• Introducing home and business computer users to technologies and tools that help reduce and/or prevent cybercrime
• Develop a voice of advocacy which encourages legislative engagement at the local, state and national levels

“We are proud to live in one of America’s most wired cities,” said Ruben Barrales, president of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. “But as we all know, with Internet connection comes risks. We are thrilled to support ESET’s Securing Our eCity initiative, as it provides the education and advocacy needed to encourage legislative engagement around this important and topical issue.”

For additional information on Securing Our eCity, including an upcoming calendar of events, or to become involved in the initiative, please visit www.securingourecity.org.