National Cyber Security Day April 4

When you set your clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time April 4, you're also celebrating National Cyber Security Day, aimed at promoting safer Internet surfing from the National Cyber Security Alliance.

"The Alliance is providing critical leadership in efforts to raise consumer, business and general public awareness of why we must all use safe computing and Internet practices," Federal Trade Commissioner Orson Swindle, an alliance sponsor, said announcing the special day, whose motto is Stay Safe Online. "The Alliance is encouraging leadership by industry, academia and government to work together on the important task of greater cyber security. Every user of the Internet has to be involved in making the Internet a safer place, and we have much to accomplish together."

The Alliance wants to use the day to announce updated cybersecurity tips on the Stay Safe Online site, which aims to offer information needed for individuals to secure home or small business computers. That information, the Alliance said, will include Top Ten Tips for home, small business users, and elementary and high school students, including a self-guided cybersecurity test and educational materials.

Site visitors can also sign up for national cyber alerts and security tips from the Department of Homeland Security. "The Department... is a very strong supporter of the National Cyber Security Alliance and commends the Alliance's effort and good work in supporting our nation," Homeland Security director of national cyber security Amit Yoran said in a statement. "National Cyber Security Day is an excellent reminder of the importance of computer security - we need to think of computer security every day."

National Cyber Security Alliance president Ken Watson said teaming with Homeland Security and using the Stay Safe Online campaign for awareness-raising means making "our portion of cyberspace a safer place to live, work, play, and learn.