Mission to make the Net safer
11 March 2011 (the star online)

KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft Malaysia and CyberSecurity Malaysia have launched Safer Internet Month 2011 to create more awareness and promote safer and responsible use of online technologies and tools, especially among children and youth.

Microsoft Malaysia managing director Ananth Lazarus said the month was dedicated to raising Internet safety awareness across the country.

"The Safer Internet Month mission is to make the Internet safer and more secure through collaboration with government agencies, non-profit organisations and employee volunteerism," he said at the launch yesterday.

"We are committed to empowering parents, youth and children to protect their computing experience by providing them with the right technological tools and knowledge. With the explosion of social media, the issue of online safety is more important than ever before."

It is being carried out in collaboration with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.

CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Lt-Kol (Rtd) Husin Jazri emphasised the importance of addressing security threats online.

According to him, in 2010, a total of 8,090 cases were reported to Cyber999, an increase of 127% over the previous year when a total of 3,564 cases were reported.

In addition, for January and February this year, there were 2,136 cases reported compared with 791 for the same two months last year, which was an increase of 170%.