ASU hosts Security Awareness Week

ASU and the University Technology Office (UTO) will play host to the third annual Security Awareness Week March 27-30.

The event is open to the public and is designed to enhance students' awareness about the potential risks associated with computer and Internet use.

This year's event, titled “Carnival of Jeopardy,” will feature a variety of carnival-themed games as well as a series of “Jeopardy” matches.

Students will qualify to enter by answering an online questionnaire created to test their knowledge about safe computer practices (www.asu.edu/security) and will learn how to protect themselves online when visiting popular Internet sites such as MySpace and Facebook. They also will learn how to recognize and avoid spam and Internet schemes, as well as discovering ways to protect their personal computers from worms, viruses and identity predators.

“Last year's event was a huge success,” says Robin Manke-Cassidy, a director in UTO. “The knowledge students will gain is invaluable today with the increased use of technology for many aspects of education. UTO is confident that students will have even more fun playing the carnival games this year.”

Additional features include informative presentations on topics ranging from identity theft to password protection and the chance to compete for prizes, including laptops and electronic gaming equipment.

The event will be held at each of ASU's four campuses: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe and West.

For more information about the event, visit the Web site (www.asu.edu/security).