DHS teams with Girl Scouts on Cyber awareness campaign

The Department of Homeland Security has partnered with the Girl Scouts of the USA in its “Stop.Think.Connect.” campaign to help raise awareness among  more than 3.2 million youth across the country about the importance of Cyber security and online safety.

The campaign will provide the Girl Scouts with tools and resources to help raise awareness among kids, teens, and young adults about emerging online threats and the importance of Cyber security. This partnership builds on the campaign’s ongoing efforts to highlight curriculum resources available to communities, and to educate America’s youth about safer online practices.

“Stop.Think.Connect” is DHS’ national public awareness effort to guide the nation to a higher level of Internet safety and security by educating and empowering the American public to be more vigilant about practicing safe online habits. The campaign encourages Americans to view Internet safety and security as a shared responsibility at home, in the workplace, and in our communities.

“Today, we are more connected to the Internet than ever before, but increased interconnectivity increases the risk of theft, fraud and abuse,” said Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security in an Aug. 22 statement. “We are proud to partner with Girl Scouts of the USA to help women and girls protect themselves online and do their part to ensure that cyberspace is a safe and secure environment for all Internet users.”

“This collaboration between Girl Scouts and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will empower girls to become leaders and advocates for the safe and responsible use of technology," explains Anna Maria Chávez, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA. "We know that girls are online. As adults, it is our responsibility to create an environment that encourages girls to establish healthy online habits.”