The US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ‘Stop. Think. Connect.’ campaign announced a new partnership with the YWCA, which serves nearly 2.6 million women and girls across the country, to expand its effort to promote the importance of cybersecurity and online safety. The campaign will provide tools and resources to educate teens, young adults and parents about how they can protect themselves from the risk of theft, fraud and abuse online.

“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play,” said Secretary Janet Napolitano. “Through partnerships with the YWCA and organisations and communities throughout the country, the department is reaching audiences of all ages about the importance of building a safe and secure cyberspace.”

“The YWCA is pleased to join the Department of Homeland Security and its efforts to raise awareness of cybersecurity and online safety,” says Gloria Lau, YWCA USA CEO. “In communities all around the country, the YWCA is taking action to combat cyber bullying and cyber predators, key parts of the Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign. The YWCA looks forward to partnering with DHS in areas that impact so many of our young people and their families,” stated Lau.

Stop.Think.Connect. is a national public awareness effort to guide the nation to a higher level of Internet safety and security by educating and empowering the American public to be vigilant about practising safe online habits. The campaign encourages Americans to view Internet safety and security as a shared responsibility at home, in the workplace, and in our communities.

This new partnership continues the Stop.Think.Connect. campaign’s ongoing outreach to the Nation’s youth and organisations that serve them. Recently, DHS announced partnerships with Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) America and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.