Event features exhibit dedicated to online safety for children in cooperation with Microsoft and (ISC)² Foundation

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 1 November 2015 - RSA Conference (http://www.rsaconference.com/), the world’s leading information security conference and exposition, today announced the regional launch of RSA®C CyberSafety: Kids initiative at its inaugural event in Abu Dhabi. The focus of the initiative is to create awareness around the risks that children face when they are using todays’ digital tools such as the web, social media and mobile applications, as well as educate conference attendees on ways they can help ensure their family’s safety online.

Over the course of two days, RSA Conference Abu Dhabi will showcase a RSAC CyberSafety: Kids exhibit that will share tools and techniques that will arm parents with the steps they can take to train children to navigate the online applications, smartly and safely. The program is being run in conjunction with the (ISC)² Foundation and Microsoft, where each organization will have kiosks located in the exhibit.

The issue of cybersafety among children in the region is one of extreme importance. A report published by ICDL GCC Foundation found that while 95% of students in the UAE were active online, 86% were unsure of how to respond when victimized in the cyberworld. The survey also revealed that only 42% of students were willing to speak to their parents about threats encountered online. This further stresses the need for adults to be well-equipped on how to assist their children to responsibly use digital tools such as social media and mobile applications.

“In a world where more of the younger generation are online, it’s important that they receive adequate protection,” said Sandra Toms, Vice President and Curator, RSA Conference. “With the regional launch of the RSA CyberSafety: Kids initiative, our goal is not to cut kids off from technology, but instead educate and mentor them on how to leverage the Internet safely and securely.”   

Paul Nicholas, Senior Director, Trustworthy Computing, Microsoft added “At Microsoft, our goal is to develop a more trusted Internet that the next generation can use safely to live, work and play. By supporting RSA Conference CyberSafety: Kids Initiative, we strive to educate and provide guidance and training to help children stay safe online.”

RSA Conference will also be providing useful giveaways that include a privacy sticker that can be placed over the camera of any laptop or computer to prevent the user from being seen by online predators. In addition, laminated cards with handy tips and tricks, will be given out to help parents proactively educate and have conversations on cybersecurity with children.

Patrick Craven, co-director, (ISC)² Foundation said, “It’s critical for those in our industry to work together to help society understand how digital innovation is changing the ways in which we interact online; especially one of the most vulnerable groups of digital users – children.  We support RSAC CyberSafety: Kids because it reinforces our vision to make the cyber world a safer place for everyone.”

The RSAC CyberSafety: Kids exhibit is being showcased at RSA Conference 2015 Abu Dhabi from November 4-5 at Emirates Palace Hotel. F -Ends-

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