thinksecurityfirst.us

Think Security First originated in 2003 as a unique experiment to raise the security awareness of an entire city (Walnut Creek California, population 64,000). Led by the city's Chamber of Commerce, the one year program provided comprehensive education on cyber security and identity theft to the city’s residents, business owners, schools, and police department.

Designed as a template for security awareness in communities across America, Think Security First! was supported by the US Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Homeland Security and numerous IT and security organizations.

Today we are supported entirely by sponsors including Microsoft, PayPal, Mozy, F-Secure, SonicWALL, and Panda Security.

The goal of Think Security First is to create a Neighborhood Watch for the Internet – an online network of local security awareness web sites where businesses can work together to make their community safer and more secure; work with neighboring cities and communities; and connect with other communities across the country.

The Cost and Impact of Cybercrime and Identity Theft

Cybercrime and identity theft are now amongst the costliest crimes in America, costing more than twice the cost of the war on drugs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that cybercrime and identity theft together cost America more than $100 billion every year, and admits that the true cost may be much higher because so many crimes go undetected or unreported.

The biggest financial impact is on businesses, of every size, and these businesses are feeling the pinch even more as consumers and businesses struggle through one of the toughest economic climates in decades.

While most consumers don’t bear any liability for identity theft or credit card frauds, thanks in the zero liability programs offered by the financial industry, most of the cost is borne by retailers and merchants -large and small - that are not only out the goods they lose in these frauds but also the cost of the fraudulent payments.

Businesses also have the bear the high costs of data, computer, and network security, the costs of training their employees, the crippling costs of each data or security breach, the loss of customer confidence, and the increasingly costly burden of complying with regulations like FACTA, PCI, and the Red Flag rules.

While small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, accounting for more than 60% of all jobs, they are also the most vulnerable to cybercrime and identity theft. And money spent on protecting our businesses and communities from these crimes could be better spent on more productive investments.

And there’s more than just the financial cost. Every year an estimated 8 million Americans fall victim to identity theft, a pervasive crime that can be life changing.  An estimated 57 million consumers fall victim to phishing schemes and scams each year, and more than 100 million Americans have their personal data exposed every year as a result of data breaches.

But there is some good news

Most security experts agree that the best defense we have against the threats of cybercrime and identity theft is our own vigilance, education, and awareness.

The more we know about these crimes, and how to avoid them, the less likely we are to fall victim.

That's why we created Think Security First - to give cities across America a powerful and free tool to make their communities better educated, aware, and vigilant against these epidemic crimes.

Each portal includes:

•    Dozens of professionally written articles on all aspects of cybercrime and identity theft, from nationally recognized security experts.

• Local security and cybercrime experts willing to share their experience and advice free of charge.

•    A series of moderated security forums where residents, businesses, law enforcement and security experts can share their experiences and work together

•    Tests and quizzes to help users measure their security awareness and risk.

•    Access to a complete online security awareness course, and the opportunity to earn a personalized certificate in security awareness.

•    Tools and advice for business owners and schools.

•    A free monthly security awareness newsletter.

•    Instant security alerts and tips by email.

•    Have your voice heard with online polls.

•    Links to other key city services, Mayor’s office, city manager, and police and emergency services .

The History of Think Security First

Think Security First is run by Neal O'Farrell, with the assistance of the Center for Information Security Awareness (www.thecisa.com). The CISA was formed in 2007 by a group of leading security experts and academics to explore more effective ways to increase security awareness amongst a number of audiences, including consumers, employees, small business owners, and law enforcement.

The Center is comprised of a Board of Advisors that includes:

•    Andy Purdy, former Cyber Security Czar and Acting Director of the National Cyber Security Division/US-CERT of the Department of Homeland Security.

•    Mike Levin, former Deputy Director of the National Cyber Security Division at the Department of Homeland Security.

•    Andrew McPherson, Assistant Professor of Justice Studies in the University of New Hampshire, Justiceworks program and former advisor to the Department of Homeland Security National Cyber Security Division on state and local law enforcement matters;

•    Neal O’Farrell, a renowned authority on end-user security awareness and education.