MySecureCyberspace
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MySecureCyberspace is an initiative by Carnegie Mellon CyLab and Carnegie Mellon's Information Networking Institute to educate the public about computer security, network security and Internet safety. Inspired by the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace, the initiative empowers users to secure their part of cyberspace. The initiative has two main components: a web portal for the general public, located at www.MySecureCyberspace.com, and an interactive game, designed for elementary school children, available at www.CarnegieCyberAcademy.com.
The MySecureCyberspace web portal gives customized information to users about cybersecurity threats, in addition to tactical countermeasures and legal, ethical, and privacy issues. For example, using the Secure My Cyberspace tool on the web portal, a user can enter an online activity, such as email, and receive an explanation of common threats and issues associated with that activity, such as spam and phishing scams, and then receive advice on how to resolve those problems.
As a web portal, MySecureCyberspace serves people of all ages and roles and provides links to many other related websites. Certain areas of the web portal contain articles and resources specifically for parents, educators and children.
In addition to the web portal, Carnegie Cadets: The MySecureCyberspace Game also makes up the initiative. Carnegie Cadets reaches out to children through an interactive game that reinforces principles of safe and responsible computing. Enriched with content and classroom material that complies with the National Educational Technology Standards, the game is designed to be integrated into fourth and fifth grade curriculum.
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[edit] History
Through a grant from the National Science Foundation, Carnegie Mellon CyLab and the Information Networking Institute launched the web portal in April 2005, which included a prototype of the online Carnegie Cadets game.[1]
Carnegie Cadets:The MySecureCyberspace Game and its companion Web site officially launched on October 26, 2007 during a demonstration at J.H. Brooks Elementary School in Pittsburgh. PA Attorney General Tom Corbett attended the kickoff event and endorsed the game.[2]
[edit] Recognition
- Merit Award, Online Communication, The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication, May 2007
[edit] References
- ^ MSNBC, New game helps kids stay safe on Internet, April 15, 2008.
- ^ KDKA News, Interactive game teaches students internet safety, October 27, 2007.