McAfee, Inc. Announces Grants and New Council Member in Initiative to Fight Cybercrime
Grants Approved for Common Sense Media and Data Security Council of India to Educate Computer Users About Cyber Threats; Intel Joins McAfee Initiative
LAS VEGAS, October 09, 2009 - FOCUS 09
McAfee, Inc. (NYSE:MFE) today announced its approval of two grants for cybersecurity education as part of the McAfee® Initiative to Fight Cybercrime, a wide ranging, global initiative aimed at closing critical gaps in the fight against cybercrime. Additionally, Intel joined the McAfee Initiative as an Advisory Council member.
The Cybercrime Grants program is designed to foster innovation and concrete, measurable impact in key areas of fighting, researching, and educating about cybercrime issues. In this round of grants, McAfee approved project proposals focusing on cybersecurity education from Common Sense Media and the Digital Security council of India. Last year, McAfee awarded grants focusing on law enforcement training and coordination to the Council of Europe and the National District Attorneys Association.
“As cybercrime continues to accelerate, we must find new ways to educate people and businesses about protecting their digital assets,” said Dave DeWalt, McAfee president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to working with Common Sense Media and the Data Security Council of India, as we educate computer users around the world on avoiding the reach of increasingly sophisticated and ruthless cybercriminals.”
Common Sense Media, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, is focused on improving the media and technology lives of children and families through its up-to-date online information and education programs on digital literacy, digital citizenship, and cybersafety. This year, the Common Sense Media website (www.commonsensemedia.org) will draw nearly 10 million unique users. Common Sense Media currently serves more than 4,000 schools, 600,000 households, and more than 1 million students with its educational resources and materials on digital media and technology. Common Sense Media will use its cybercrime grant from McAfee to fund key elements of its cybersecurity and cybersafety curriculum for middle schools.
"We’re very pleased to be working with McAfee to educate more young people and families about cyber threats and cybercrime, and about using computers and digital media in smart, safe and secure ways,” said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media.
Data Security Council of India (DSCI) is a not-for-profit organization, headquartered in New Delhi, focusing on developing best practices and training in India on data security and data privacy. Through its Cybersecurity Awareness Initiatives, DSCI reaches out to a broad audience on a range of cybersecurity and cybersafety issues. DSCI’s education project funded through the McAfee Cybercrime Grant program will reach computer users in Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Pune and Bangalore.
“Education and awareness is the most important step in fighting cybercrime,” stated DSCI's CEO, Dr. Kamlesh Bajaj. “Even as we create best security practices for industry, it is imperative for us to educate the general population in schools and colleges and with parents about Cyber Safety, Cyber Security, and Data Privacy. I’m sure DSCI together with McAfee can create useful training, and take it to a wider audience in major cities in India. I look forward to close cooperation with McAfee, and I believe this is just the beginning of a long partnership."
Intel joins McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime
In addition to the grants, McAfee today announced that Intel has joined the McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime Advisory Council. As the newest member to the council, the company is well-versed in the areas of cybercrime and defense, and is able to provide best practices from a real-world perspective.
The McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime Advisory Council was created to ensure McAfee’s initiative is sustainable by harnessing the insights and energy of leaders who have already made a difference in this critical area. This global group is chaired by former White House Cybersecurity Adviser Howard A. Schmidt.
Joining the Council is Steve Grobman, director of cybersecurity technology and initiatives at Intel Corporation. At Intel, Grobman leads the team responsible for all aspects of security related to Intel products. This includes the development of platform technologies that address tomorrow’s security challenges as well as security assurance and policy.
About the McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime
Announced in October 2008, the McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime is a wide ranging initiative aimed at closing critical gaps in the fight against cybercrime. The initiative is anchored by a multi-point plan that includes calls for action from law enforcement, academia, service providers, government, the security industry and society at large to deliver more effective investigations and prosecutions of cybercrime. More information is available at: http://www.mcafee.com/fightcybercrime
About McAfee, Inc.
McAfee, Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is the world's largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee is committed to relentlessly tackling the world's toughest security challenges. The company delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure systems and networks around the world, allowing users to safely connect to the Internet, browse and shop the web more securely. Backed by an award-winning research team, McAfee creates innovative products that empower home users, businesses, the public sector and service providers by enabling them to prove compliance with regulations, protect data, prevent disruptions, identify vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and improve their security. http://www.mcafee.com
NOTE: McAfee and any additional McAfee marks herein are registered trademarks of McAfee, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. McAfee Red in connection with security is distinctive of McAfee brand products. All other registered and unregistered trademarks herein are the sole property of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change at any time without prior notice. © 2009 McAfee, Inc. All rights reserved.
McAfee, Inc.
Joris Evers, 408-346-3310
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or
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Heather Edell, 415-618-8814
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