The multimedia, interactive website, OnGuardOnline.gov made its debut on Sept. 27 after extensive consultation with cybersecurity experts, marketers, consumer advocates, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Commerce, and even Microsoft, the FTC said.
"[The] future of the online world depends on consumer confidence and educated consumers," FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras said, calling the new site a tool for all computer users to stay "on guard, online."
Using interactive features, video, articles and web surfing tips, the site seeks to educate the Internet community on protecting personal information and avoiding the “darker” side of the web. The site also gives tips on setting up firewalls, protecting passwords, backing up files, and correctly using web browsers and operating systems.
"Consumer education is critical to our success in securing the web against hackers, viruses, spam and spyware,” Majoras said. “Education truly is the first line of defense for computer users against fraud and deception online."
Among the list of advisors on the project, Microsoft helped with branding the site and plans to launch an advertising campaign in several major metropolitan newspapers. The computer giant also contributed a series of security videos for the site and helmed an organization that will adopt the OnGuard message to school curricula through a program called i-Safe.
In conjunction with the launch of OnGuard, online auction house eBay has announced plans to post a letter to its members promoting OnGuard Online, as well as providing buttons linking to the site. In a likeminded move, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will place magazine ads asking consumers to "Stop, Think, Click.”
