To ensure a safer and more responsible use of online technologies and services mainly among children and the youth, Microsoft Malaysia and CyberSecurity Malaysia has launched the ‘Safer Internet Month’ that ran from 10 March to 10 April 2011. The ‘Safer Internet Month’ campaign was inspired by Safer Internet Day, a global campaign to promote safer Internet for everyone. It is organised by Insafe and co-founded by the European Union. Safer Internet Day hosts a series of events and educational materials aimed at helping parents and children alike to recognise online security threats. Last year, more than 500 Safer Internet Day events were held in 65 countries and regions. Microsoft employees assist to host a range of Internet safety-focused events and activities globally as well.

The theme of the campaign is “Stop.Think.Connect”, which emphasises on the importance of being aware of online threats.

Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director, Microsoft Malaysia, said, “At Microsoft, we believe it’s our joint responsibility to help make the Internet a safer place for people, especially children, to learn and communicate. It’s important to realize that while we traditionally impart notions of safety in our daily lives, that wisdom doesn’t necessarily extend to providing guidance in protecting oneself online, where all of today’s technological potentials offer both good and harm. We are committed to ensuring that children are educated to the value of identity protection and online privacy, and recognize the wonderful opportunities the Internet brings, as well as the potential threats it could have.”

Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia

Lt. Col. Husin Jazri (Retired), Chief Executive Officer, CyberSecurity Malaysia, explains, “Safer Internet Month 2011 is our commitment in raising awareness about safe internet computing in Malaysia. At CyberSecurity Malaysia, we continuously study, analyse, research and innovate to stay ahead and maintain a technological edge of our economy. We have introduced CyberSAFE Programs to educate Malaysians on the positive use of the Internet and Cyber999 Help Centre for Internet users to channel their cyber security incidents. And, the collaboration with Microsoft will aide in raising the bar on the do’s and don’ts of transacting online.”

“The Safer Internet Month will see many on ground activations that resonate the message of online safety; across children, youth, parents and teachers. Amongst the activities are the cyber safety awareness talks in schools located in Klang Valley and seminars for parents and teachers as they play a very important role in inculcating the positive use of Internet. “We will also organise online competitions such as CyberSAFE Cyber Treasure Hunt and CyberSAFE Content competition, where we get participants to tell us what they know about cyber safety through digital content like posters, wallpapers, videos, and others. Internet safety is far greater than just the responsibility of any single organisation or individual and this month allows us to engage the efforts of stakeholders on all fronts including industry,” added Husin.

Lt. Kol. Husin Jazri (Retired), Chief Executive Officer, CyberSecurity Malaysia

Dato’ Dr. Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad, Deputy Secretary General (Policy) at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), said, “MOSTI wants to empower Malaysians with knowledge in order to protect their businesses, property and families. And, we are truly pleased that organizations such as Microsoft are taking proactive steps to help increase the level of awareness among our citizens, especially schoolchildren, to help them use the Internet positively. “