McGruff, The Crime Dog Will Challenge Cyber Crime

The 'National Crime Prevention Council' has launched a new campaign called "Take a Bite Out of Cyber Crime", which has used the 26-year old mascot McGruff, the 'Crime Dog'. The Council's website "ByteCrime.org" was formally launched on October 11, 2006. It presents a 36-page online brochure listing some useful tips and is free of cost.

The website contains material to spread awareness about spyware, phishing and other Internet threats. The site tries to educate kids and parents about these issues. There is also a security checklist meant for the home users, their kids, business users and mobile users.

On the site, McGruff discusses about the necessity of immunizing computers by installing anti-virus, firewall and other protective software. The site offers documents and free 30-day trials jointly with the security vendor McAfee Inc.

In his discussion, McGruff says that he challenges every computer user to immunize his computer. He says that people should visit "ByteCrime.org" and obtain the tools and information essential to protect their computers. He asks them to download the "Mind What You Do Online" booklet. People should learn about threats, follow the checklist to use the Internet safely and apply the appropriate security measures.

The brochure focusing on the individuals and small businesses discusses a range of online dangers - from malware to sexual predators, and the various tools and techniques for protection. The brochure also deals with special situations, such as Web surfing from cyber cafés or telecommunicating through office networks.

The Council's vice-president for programs, Ann Harkins said the key message was for every computer user to do his part to prevent crime before it happens. just as a home is protected with lights, locks and alarms, similarly use of security measures can keep the bad guys off in cyber space.

McGruff's new challenge will benefit young people from online predators, consumers from becoming victims of identity theft and other US population from being vulnerable to data compromises.

The campaign is a combined effort of the 'National Crime Prevention Council' (NCPC), the 'Chief Marketing Officer Council' (CMO) and the 'Forum to Advance the Mobile Experience' (FAME).

Related article: McGruff To Spread Cyber Crime Awareness

» SPAMfighter News - 10/16/2006