CIRA and Media Awareness Network help keep consumers safe online

Ottawa, February 7, 2012 – To mark Safer Internet Day, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) and Media Awareness Network (MNet) are launching the first in a series of cyber security tip sheets to help consumers stay safe when using the Internet.

While surfing the Web is fun and can present a wide variety of opportunities, you can also encounter unexpected problems. Today's release focuses on Safe Surfing, which explores the different types of risk relating to using the Web and ways Internet users can protect themselves.

"MNet is pleased to be partnering with CIRA on this education initiative to help Canadian consumers learn about the security risks they face online, and the simple steps they can take to minimize these risks," said Cathy Wing, MNet Co-Executive Director.

This new series of tip sheets compliment the Cyber Security Consumer Tip Sheet released by CIRA and MNet in April 2011. Where it provided general high-level information about potential risks one may encounter online and suggested tools that may assist in lowering the level of risk, this new series will expand on key issues and provide more detailed guidance.

"Anything we can do to help youth and adults have a safer online experience is a step in the right direction," said CIRA President and CEO Byron Holland. "CIRA's unique perspective on the Internet positions us well to provide Canadians with resources on proper online habits and ultimately create an improved online experience."

The Safe Surfing Tip Sheet is available at www.cira.ca and on the MNet website at www.media-awareness.ca, as well as other digital literacy resources.

Safer Internet Day is organised by Insafe, and is held each February to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones. More information is available here: http://www.saferinternet.org.

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About CIRA

The Canadian Internet Registration Authority is the member-driven organization that manages Canada's .CA domain name registry, develops and implements policies that support Canada's Internet community, and represents the .CA registry internationally.

About MNet

Media Awareness Network (MNet) is a Canadian not-for-profit centre for digital and media literacy. MNet's programs are funded by its public and private sector sponsors and partners, who include: Bell Media - Shaw - Bell - TELUS - CIRA - Google - National Film Board of Canada - Government of Canada.

For additional information, contact:

Tanya O'Callaghan
Communications Manager, Canadian Internet Registration Authority
(613) 237-5335 ext. 262
tanya.ocallaghan@cira.ca

Cathy Wing
Co-Executive Director
Media Awareness Network
613-224-7721, Ext. 227
cwing@media-awareness.ca