Cybersecurity Poster Contest for K-12 San Diego County Students--Students can win an iPad and $500 for the PTO

Securing our eCity is a partnership of local, state, and national organizations started by ESET, LLC (a San Diego software security provider).  eCity focuses on bringing together various stakeholders (business owners, government agencies, consumer advocates, etc.) to raise awareness, offer education and help individuals, organizations, and businesses prepare for cybersecurity challenges now and in the future.  As a stakeholder and workgroup member of the Policy and Education workgroup, TechConnect works to disseminate information and raise awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the need for utilizing digital storage, files, information, and communications in a safe and secure manner.

The Security Our eCity, Cybersecurity Poster Contest for 2010 has just been announced.  It is open to all K-12 students in San Diego County.  First place winners in each category receive an Apple iPad and associated PTO's receive a $500 cash donation.  There are three grade groupings with a winner in each group.  Categories include:

• Socializing Online
• Sexting
• Cyberbullying
• Phishing
• File Sharing / Piracy
• Identity Theft

All entries must be submitted to me by Monday, September 27, 2010; finalists will be notified by Monday, October 4, 2010; awards reception held Thursday, October 7, 2010 at the eCity Cybersecurity Symposium II.

The contest flyer (complete rules, judging panel, terms, etc) is posted on TechConnect: the ETSN Community http://www.techconnectk12-org .  A copy of this message is located in the ETSN community under Community Pages - Announcements, and the Contest flyer can be found in the Community Files.  If you haven't already joined TechConnect-IT, you may use the register button to create an account or contact me directly for access)

This is a great opportunity for both educating students about cybersecurity and leveraging students (through awareness) to help make school security a top priority.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions.

Karen M. Connaghan

Coordinator, Integrated Technology Services Director, TechSETS - TechConnect San Diego County Office of Education

kconnaghan@sdcoe.net