National Cyber Security Alliance and LGBT Technology Partnership launch internet safety initiative for LGBT community

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a non-profit public-private partnership focused on helping all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online, today announced a new collaboration initiative with the LGBT Technology Partnership to encourage greater awareness about cybersecurity and safety issues for LGBT communities.

The LGBT Technology Partnership works to provide a centralized, national presence for the many LGBT organizations and groups that are impacted by telecommunications, cable and technology policies. The organization also serves as a strong unified voice ensuring that policy implementation at the local, state and federal levels address the unique needs of the LGBT community.

While the NCSA has worked to educate all digital users about staying safe online for over a decade, the organization has increased its focus on more closely targeting specific populations with uniquely tailored awareness messages. This ongoing effort includes working with the LGBT Technology Partnership in creating an LGBT cyber education toolkit with fact sheets, tip sheets and posters.

Both organizations will also hold a Twitter Chat about LGBT cyber safety issues  June 13 in honor of Internet Safety Month and LGBT Pride Month. For more information, visitwww.stopthinkconnect.org/twitterchats.

“The Internet pervades our daily lives like never before and for specific populations such as the LGBT community, the Web is an integral tool to stay connected,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance.  “Everyone with access to the Internet should be well educated about the importance of online safety and we believe that education and awareness is best received when it comes from a trusted a source. Our collaboration with the LGBT Technology Partnership allows for the dissemination of online safety and security practices via an organization with strong ties to their community. Since the LGBT community typically ranks among the earliest adopters of new technologies, it is critical that they have cutting edge information to make them safer and more secure online.”

“We are excited about our partnership with National Cyber Security Alliance and developing LGBT specific tips about staying safer online,” said Christopher Wood, co-founder of the LGBT Technology Partnership.  “The LGBT Technology Partnership’s mission is to make sure LGBT communities are aware of the significant benefits but also the underlying challenges that come with the early adoption of new technologies.  We are working with organizations like NSCA to make technological experiences safer for all communities.”

There is an increased need for ongoing cybersecurity education in LGBT communities through awareness initiatives. Past research has shown that an increased focus on cyber security awareness in the LGBT community is a necessity in a society where:

·       59 percent of gay men and 58 percent of lesbians are more likely to say they rely on technology to help manage their hectic lifestyles (“2012 LGBT Community Survey,” Community Marketing Inc.)

·       27 percent of gay men (mainly 18-29 year olds) and 18 percent of lesbians are early adopters of new technology products within their peer lifestyle networks (“2012 LGBT Community Survey,” Community Marketing Inc.)

·       Smartphone ownership among gay and lesbian consumers is almost a third more than the national average, with 87 percent LGBT smartphone owners compared to a 62 percent national average of smartphone owners (“2012 LGBT Community Survey,” Community Marketing Inc.)

For more details about the new partnership or LGBT cyber education materials, visit: www.staysafeonline.org.