Public Officials, Business Leaders and Cybersecurity Experts Gather at "Two Steps Ahead: Protect Your Digital Life" Event in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, N.Y., May 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a non-profit public-private partnership focused on helping all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online, today arrives in Brooklyn with its STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Two Steps Ahead: Protect Your Digital Life Tour to educate consumers and businesses about adopting simple security measures like Two-Step Authentication into their everyday lives.

The event, which takes place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am ET today at the Brooklyn Central Public Library, is the 10^th stop on a nation-wide tour to spread the word about activating easily implemented security features such as Two-Step Authentication, available on many of the web's most popular sites. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke of New York's 9^th District will open the event with remarks, and the morning will feature a hands-on demonstration showing attendees how to improve their security on sites such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, LinkedIn and financial institutions. There will also be a panel discussion with local consumer protection and cybersecurity experts.

"It's time to shift our viewpoint and ? literally ? get 'two steps ahead' on Internet security by changing our position from one dominated by vulnerability and risk to focusing on taking action by using Two–Step Authentication and creating a culture of cybersecurity," said Michael Kaiser executive director at NCSA. "We can do this by working together and using new security tools to build a safer, more secure and trusted Internet. Utilizing all available security measures and understanding the consequences of actions and behaviors online is the key message underlying the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign. "

Lack of consumer adoption of good password practices continues to create problems. The good news isthat more Internet sites are implementing additional safety features that can help computer users add another layer of security to their accounts. These features go by many names, including Two-Step Authentication. The process is simple and requires login approvals using a variety of methods, including SMS texts to a mobile device, or random one-time use password generators. The goal is the same, allowing only authorized people to access an account. Additionally, NCSA has created an educational and entertaining video – in simple, memorable language – that walks viewers through the process: http://stopthinkconnect.org/2stepsahead. 

"As the recent security breaches at Target, the United States Postal Service, Sony Entertainment and other institutions demonstrate, we must remain vigilant in order to protect ourselves from the unauthorized disclosure of our information," said Rep. Clarke. "I encourage everyone to attend this event to learn the best methods to protect oneself – whether accessing a personal bank account, shopping online, or communicating on social media. It's up to us to form the first line of defense."

The event will feature a panel discussion with the following participants:

• Michael Kaiser, Executive Director, National Cyber Security Alliance
• William H. Efron, Director, Northeast Region, Federal Trade Commission
• Brian Rauer, Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Region & General Counsel, BBB Serving Metropolitan New York
• Mitch Thompson, Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Kristin Judge, Program Lead, National Cyber Security Alliance

New York's acting Chief Information Security Officer, Deborah Snyder, will attend representing the Cuomo administration.

Registration is free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/two-steps-ahead-protect-your-digital-life-tour-brooklyn-tickets-16001197011

To learn more about staying safe online and to find links to websites that offer additional account security visit www.stopthinkconnect.org/.

About The National Cyber Security Alliance and STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is the nation's leading nonprofit cybersecurity education and awareness organization.  In collaboration with the government, corporate, non-profit and other sectors, NCSA's mission is to educate and empower everyone to use the Internet safely and more securely. NCSA board members include: ADP, AT&T, Bank of America, Comcast, EMC Corporation, ESET, Facebook, Google, Intel, McAfee, Match.com, Microsoft, Symantec, Target, Verizon and Visa. The STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign was created by an unprecedented coalition of private companies, nonprofits and government organizations with leadership provided by the NCSA and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).  NCSA's other signature programs are National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Data Privacy Day. The Department of Homeland Security leads the federal engagement in the campaign. Visit www.stopthinkconnect.org for more information and join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/staysafeonline.

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SOURCE National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)

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