Online threats today are more sophisticated, damaging, and potentially dangerous than ever before. And though our software is a powerful deterrent to viruses, fraud, malicious code, Trojan horses, spam, and other disruptive attacks, consumers and businesses must be aware and vigilant in protecting themselves online. We see it as part of our core responsibility to educate consumers, businesses, families, schools, and communities about how they can recognize and take action against cyberattacks and cybercrime. In addition to maintaining up-to-date resources on the Symantec Web site, we partner with nonprofit organizations to reach special populations, and we encourage our employees to share their online safety expertise both internally and externally.
We have gathered these diverse efforts under a new Family Online Safety Program. An internal workgroup, composed of employees from public affairs, public relations, marketing, philanthropy, and other divisions, will provide direction and oversight. Symantec’s Group President of the Consumer Business Unit serves as the group’s executive sponsor.
Analyzing threats, sharing knowledge
Global Intelligence Network
The Symantec™ Global Intelligence Network tracks attack activity across the entire Internet. The network includes, but is not limited to, over 40,000 sensors that monitor Internet activity in more than 180 countries. Symantec gathers malicious code data along with spyware and adware reports from more than 120 million client, server, and gateway systems that have deployed Symantec’s antivirus products. Eight Security Research Centers constantly research the latest trends and track the latest threats while three Security Operations Centers provide managed security services. The Symantec Global Intelligence Network is backed by human intelligence. Top security researchers provide actionable information, context, and analysis of data gathered through the network to Symantec’s customers.
Internet Security Threat Report
Symantec recently published the 13th edition of the Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR). The ISTR provides a concise analysis of threat activity and includes documentation of vulnerabilities, malicious code, phishing, spam, security risks, and future trends. We regularly research and compile this report and make it freely available on our website so that global awareness of internet security trends can continue to grow.
Preventing online fraud
Perhaps the most worrisome threat to many consumers is that of online fraud; the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that 1 in 25 Americans is a victim. In response, Symantec has created an online cybercrime website that includes tips and resources for avoiding and responding to online fraud. We provide easy-to-follow explanations of common cyberthreats, such as spyware, "Trojan horses", and "bots", so that consumers know what to look for when confronted with unfamiliar email messages, files, or programs.
Symantec also conducts a variety of educational programs around internet risks. We joined forces with the FTC to inform consumers about online fraud by providing information on how to spot phishing e-mails and prevent the theft of personal, confidential information.
Protecting our children
Symantec is committed to helping parents keep their kids safe online. We believe that in the same way that we educate our children about the risks of drugs, smoking, or violence, it is critical that we educate them about the importance of safe computing. We have developed free cybersafety educational tools for parents, which we will update regularly to address new and emerging risks to children's online safety. Please visit our Family Resource Web site for more information.
Symantec’s Internet safety advocate in the United States, Marian Merritt, provides free advice on how to safely navigate the online world on the “Ask Marian” Web site. Symantec recently launched similar programs featuring local Internet safety advocates in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Symantec’s Family Online Safety partnerships
Symantec supports nonprofit organizations that promote internet safety and participates in joint activities and initiatives.
- We partner with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), an organization of companies, educational institutions, and government agencies whose aim is to educate home users, children, and small businesses about the importance of computer security. Through its website, www.staysafeonline.org, NCSA offers parents a self-guided cybersecurity test, educational resources, and other valuable tools to safeguard their home computers.
- We work with the Internet Keep Safe Coalition, an organization that provides cybersafety educational resources geared towards schools and families with school-aged children. The coalition's web site, www.ikeepsafe.org, contains an array of child-friendly tools aimed at teaching children to safely navigate cyberspace.
- In our efforts to protect children in the United States from computer-facilitated sexual abuse and exploitation, Symantec helps support the Web Wise Kids Project Safe Childhood program. This national initiative, headed by the Attorney General of the United States, reduces online victimization of youth by educating children about internet safety.
- We partnered with One Economy to add Internet Security content to their online information portal, The Beehive. This resource ensures that low-income families and new broadband users have the tools and resources necessary to protect their families.
- Symantec supports i-SAFE’s mission to empower K-12 youth worldwide, through education, with the critical thinking and decision-making skills they need to exercise responsible online behavior.
Reaching out through our employees
The Symantec Employee Evangelism Program encourages employees to take individual action to educate their families, other parents, and local schools and communities about online safety. Employees are provided with tools, training, and information to help them answer questions about online security and are encouraged to set up meetings to share their knowledge.
Program materials are currently available in English and Spanish, with additional translations and localized content to be added as the program is rolled out in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Germany.
Working with governments to stop cybercrime
Symantec works closely with US policymakers to raise awareness of the importance of computer safety. For example, Symantec worked with legislatures in more than thirty states to designate October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. These efforts resulted in heightened awareness among consumers and policymakers of the importance of cybersecurity and the steps that users must take to protect themselves.
Symantec coordinates with national and international governments and law-enforcement agencies to ensure that they have the training and resources needed to aggressively pursue and capture cybercriminals. We promote the ratification of the Council of Europe Cybercrime Treaty, which would harmonize a number of important anticybercrime statutes in key jurisdictions, including the United States. Ratification would help law enforcement officials track and capture cybercriminals who cross international boundaries to avoid prosecution.
In the United States, Symantec brings together law-enforcement agencies to develop strategies for coordinating and improving governmental responses to cyberthreats.
Safeguarding the future
Symantec is committed to fostering the next generation of experts in cybersecurity. We partner with a number of leading educational institutions, including Purdue University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California system, to provide financial support to students in cybersecurity through scholarships, fellowships, and sponsorships.
We also provide internships for students in cybersecurity. These students work onsite at Symantec's research labs, learning valuable skills that they can then use in both their academic training and future careers. Many Symantec interns eventually join our company as full-time employees.