October is National Cyber Security Month: 

"Our Shared Responsibility"

WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct. 5, 2011 - As thought leaders for Internet safety and cyber security, Enough Is Enough^SM (EIE) pioneered the strategy of shared responsibility to make the Internet safer for children and families. EIE's strategy is synergistic with the theme for the 2011 Cyber Security Month.

In 2002, October was named Cyber Security Month and is an annual commemoration of the importance of promoting cyber security and safety. This year's theme is "Our Shared Responsibility." Donna Rice Hughes, president and CEO of EIE, was instrumental in the development and promotion of a three pronged strategy for Internet safety that involves the public, the technology industry and law enforcement sharing the responsibility to protect children on the Internet. This approach has been adopted by many industry and government leaders. EIE is on the frontlines in the battle to make the Internet safe and secure and continues to be sought out as a credible Internet safety resource.

"For nearly two decades, EIE has continued to lead nationwide efforts to promote cyber security and safety," said Donna Rice Hughes, international cyber safety expert. "By implementing a shared responsibility three-pronged, preventative approach to create and sustain a safe, entertaining and informative Internet environment, free from sexual predators, cyberbullies and the intrusion of unwanted sexual material, no child is left unprotected and all children have a safe and rewarding experience in the digital community."

EIE's three-pronged approach of shared responsibility includes:

1. Educating the public, specifically adults about cyber dangers and safety solutions primarily through the media and EIE's Internet Safety 101^SM multimedia program resources. The program is the only multimedia program designed to educate, equip and empower caring adults to protect children from pornography, sexual predators and cyberbullies and to keep kids safe and secure on social networking sites, gaming and mobile devices.
2. Encouraging and working alongside the technology industry, including industry giants like Google and Microsoft, to implement viable, family friendly technology solutions and corporate policies and best practices. EIE incorporates cyber security technology solutions into all its Internet Safety 101^SM program resources. Additionally, EIE's Internet Safety 101 program is featured as a requisite teaching tool by many of its partners to equip, educate and empower communities with the ability to implement cyber secure practices.
3. Promoting legal solutions that call for aggressive enforcement of existing laws and enactment of new laws to ensure security and safety of children and families. In April, Donna Rice Hughes, was invited as a cyber security expert by the U.S. State Department to educated State Department employees about cyber security and the digital threats kids face, as well as what can be done to prevent cyber crimes against children.

To continue its motto of shared responsibility, EIE will be issuing challenges to Internet users nationally to engage in the promotion of cyber safety and security throughout National Cyber Security Month.

Parents are the first line of defense in protecting kids online and as parents and caring adults it is our responsibility to share the knowledge we have with others parents and caring adults.

During National Cyber Security Month we want to ensure that all parents and caring adults are committed to implementing out Internet Safety 101^SM Rules 'N Tools in order to Make the Internet Safer for Children and Families. As technology continues to evolve, it is easy to feel left behind. By following these nontechnical measures provided in our Internet Safety 101SM Rules, you can become a cyber-savvy, virtual parent. In addition to safety rules, protecting kids online requires the use of software tools, better known as parental controls. Review our Internet Safety 101SM Tools to learn about the technical measures you should take to protect your kids online.

First, become educated, equipped, and empowered by reviewing out Internet Safety 101^SMChecklist.

Then, commit to implementing Rules 'N Tools on all Internet-enabled devices used by children by signing the Rules 'N Tools Parent's Pledge.

Next, invite other caring adults, parents, relatives, friends, or co-workers to support and hold you accountable in your commitment to protect children by having them sign the Rules 'N Tools Parent Buddy Check.