McGruff Gets Tough On Cyber Crime

Oct 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By ASHLEY ROE

If your kids don't know him yet, they will.

McGruff the Crime Dog, whose first public service announcement addressing crime reduction appeared on television in 1980, has added cyber security to his list of causes. The American icon, recognizable with his khaki trench coat and concerned stare, is known for communicating common-sense messages about personal safety and home security to children and adults alike. McGruff's new campaign “Take the Bite Out of Cyber Crime” is expected to empower millions of computer and digital device users in the fight against viruses, spam, identity theft and online predators.

McGruff's creator, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), has joined forces with the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council and the Forum to Advance Mobile Experience (FAME) to launch the campaign, which encourages the public to visit www.bytecrime.org for tips on how to protect from cyber criminals. Other sponsors and private sector supporters include Intel, McAfee, VeriSign, USA Today, CNET network and Comcast.

Michelle Boykins, NCPC director of communications and spokeswoman for the awareness effort, says users can expect to see Internet safety brochures, PSAs and a printable Internet safety pledge posted on the site in the coming months.. “If you teach children the right things to do at an early age, they will be less likely to be victimized by technology later in life,” she says.

According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 81 percent of home computers lack core protection. To reduce this number, campaign partners will offer free software and other products available for purchase to complete a “mass immunization” of home computers. In addition, the NCPC will enlist the help of leading sports franchises to spread the message about protection software in the Guard Your HomeNET with McGruff program. Training legions of “Junior Cyberguards” will also conduct interactive activities in schools and clubs that will teach children about potential online dangers. The NCPC hopes to train 20,000 elementary and middle school students in 5,000 schools and hundreds of Boys and Girls Clubs across America.

“We must raise awareness about the potential threat of identity theft, fraud online and the technology methods used to lure children into harmful situations,” Boykins says. The campaign's release has been timed to recognize Computer Learning Month and Crime Prevention Month, which both fall in October.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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