FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2002

NetDay Provides Resources to Schools to Promote Awareness of Cyber Security

"As more children experience enhanced learning both at home and at school through interactive, online education, we want to ensure that these experiences remain positive," said Julie Evans, NetDay CEO. "NetDay is very committed to raising awareness about the responsibilities that educators, students and parents have in properly maintaining computers, keeping electronic data secured, protecting privacy, and practicing ethical behavior online."

NetDay's Cyber Security Kit for Schools is available online at http://www.netday.org/cyber_security_kit.htm. The kit contents have been shared with state departments of education, state technology coordinators, state-level associations for administrators, and education-related organizations across the country. Contents include:

	What Every Administrator Needs to Know about Cyber Security -- This guide for school administrators includes practical suggestions and resources for ensuring that school computer networks are secure from cyber attacks.
	Computer-Savvy Families: A Story about Cyber Security for Children -- This short, entertaining narrative focuses on the importance of computer security and online safety for children. This story is age appropriate for 3rd to 5th graders, and has been written by a 4th grade educator. Teachers are encouraged to read the story aloud with their class and send this story, along with the companion "Action Items for Families" home with the children to encourage families to learn together about safe computing practices. The NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge team in the Texas Rio Grande Valley will be translating the children's story and family action items into Spanish, and both versions will be available on the NetDay web site on September 26, 2002.
	Two Articles from NetDayVoice, the editorial section of NetDay.org -- The first article profiles ISAFE, an organization that works with schools across the country to promote cyber safety and security. The second article profiles how Sequoia Union High School District, Redwood City, CA, approaches the issue of network security in order to balance safety needs with online access for over 7300 high school students.
	NetDay Cyber Security Resource Guide -- This list of reviewed and recommended cyber security and online safety web sites have been selected from NetDay's award-winning education technology web site, www.NetDayCompass.org.

About NetDay
NetDay's mission is to connect every child to a brighter future by helping educators meet educational goals through the effective use of technology. NetDay (www.NetDay.org), a national non-profit organization known for its successful school wiring programs, today manages community and web-based programs that promote enhanced student achievement through the effective use of technology.

About National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace
The National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/pcipb/) is the Bush Administration's strategy to protect the nation's IT infrastructure. This strategy, currently released in a draft format, will call on everyone from the largest businesses to consumers to help the federal government track cyber threats and prevent attacks, particularly those aimed at financial, government, utility, and other networks.

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