WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This
Halloween, Update Cat – the newest, online safety star ‒ will
remind Americans to take computer updates seriously and protect
their digital lives. A recent survey from the National Cyber
Security Alliance (NCSA) indicates that more than half of
respondents (51%) admit to delaying computer updates. Purr-haps it
was this news that prompted Update Cat to team up with Intel and
the NCSA to spread the word about the importance of keeping systems
and software current.
"Halloween is already a scary time for us cats. By
procrastinating on system updates, you open yourself up to even
more horror from online threats," said Update Cat. "Regular system
updates are an important part of everyone's digital life — feline
or human. They help protect your data, ensure a great experience
and give you peace of mind. And with this covered, you will have
plenty of time for the important things in life like napping,
chasing laser pointers and scratching expensive furniture. Don't be
a stray – #UpdateMeow."
Update Cat is enlisting feline friends across the internet to
get involved in this new campaign, including popular, online
influencers like Waffles the Cat and Cole and Marmalade.
"Not all cats are afraid of updates," said Waffles the
Cat. "I want to be safe when ordering the hottest new cat
toy or signing up for martial arts classes online, so I make
regular system updates a priority and activate automatic updates
when possible."
"It's scary when you don't update… even scarier than vacuums!
Marmalade and I have an absolutely PAWSOME digital life, and I want
to make sure that nothing compromises that, or the ability to stay
in touch with our fans," said Cole.
Microsoft has also signed on as a key campaign supporter and
plans to help Update Cat spread the word.
"Taking a fun and clever approach, Intel and NCSA are teaming up
with a more serious message to remind connected consumers about the
importance of keeping systems and software up-to-date not only for
improved security, but also to enable new and exciting
experiences," said Audrey Plonk, senior director of Public Policy,
Intel Corporation. "This is just the beginning. We look forward to
inviting industry and key influencers, like Microsoft, to join us
and help support a safer computing environment for us all – at home
or at work."
"We often are asked what folks can do to help keep themselves
and their families safer and more secure online. Keeping software
current is always at the top of the list," said Russ Schrader, executive director for the NCSA.
"As we wrap up National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and look
toward the holiday shopping season ‒ when many of us are making
purchases online or on our mobile devices ‒ we remind everyone to
make sure that all their software and programs are up to date."
On his new website Intel.com/UpdateMeow, Update Cat reminds us
that there are multiple benefits to computer updates:
- Improved security? We ain't kitten: Today's devices
routinely receive updates to help protect your personal information
against new and evolving threats.
- Amazing experiences that are pawsitively remarkable:
System and software updates often include feature and speed
enhancements that can enable better online experiences.
- Get a warm and fuzzy feeling: System and software
updates ‒ when routinely applied ‒ can help give you peace of mind
and enable you to focus more on what you love.
To reward cool cats (or humans) who get involved, Update Cat
will be giving away cat swag this fall via (snail) mail, including
t-shirts, cat pillows, stickers and more. More details to follow on
Intel.com/UpdateMeow and on social media.
About the #UpdateMeow campaign
Intel and the NCSA have
teamed up during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to launch
this national, coordinated effort to help remind desktop and laptop
computer owners of the importance of keeping systems up-to-date.
Microsoft has also signed on as an early campaign supporter.
We understand that users are regularly hit with a variety of
notifications from their devices and it's tempting to ignore them.
However, update notifications from operating system vendors or
device manufacturers are important. Users should apply the update
to help secure their devices, protect their data and enjoy enhanced
computing experiences.
The #UpdateMeow campaign developed by Intel in conjunction with
NCSA uses humor and the popularity of cats to make consumers aware
of the importance of system updates. The campaign introduces Update
Cat to encourage consumers to #UpdateMeow. The communication
approach uses fun cat photos and word play to promote system
updates. The campaign message will be spread through social media
and influencer activations.
The message is simple: when users receive an update notification
from their device manufacturer or operating system vendor, they
should verify the source and apply the update. It's one of the
easiest ways to help keep devices secure.
Together we can make our interconnected world more safe and
secure. For more information, visit Intel.com/UpdateMeow.
About National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
National
Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) was created as a
collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure
every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more
secure online. Now in its 15th year, NCSAM is co-led by the
Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security
Alliance, the nation's leading nonprofit public-private partnership
promoting the safe and secure use of the internet and digital
privacy. Recognized annually in October, NCSAM involves the
participation of a multitude of industry leaders ‒ mobilizing
individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits,
academia, multinational corporations and governments. Encouraging
digital citizens around the globe to STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™
NCSAM is harnessing the collective impact of its programs and
resources to increase awareness about today's ever-evolving
cybersecurity landscape. Visit the NCSAM media
room: staysafeonline.org/about-us/news/media-room.
About the National Cyber Security
Alliance
NCSA is the nation's leading
nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and
privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of
stakeholders in government, industry and civil society. NCSA's
primary partners are DHS and NCSA's Board of Directors, which
includes representatives from ADP; AT&T Services Inc.; Bank of
America; CDK Global, LLC; CertNexus; Cisco; Cofense; Comcast
Corporation; ESET North America; Facebook; Google; Intel
Corporation; Marriott International; Mastercard; Microsoft
Corporation; Mimecast; NXP Semiconductors; Raytheon; Salesforce;
Symantec Corporation; Visa and Wells Fargo. NCSA's core efforts
include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October); Data
Privacy Day (Jan. 28); STOP. THINK.
CONNECT.™, the global online safety awareness and education
campaign co-founded by NCSA and the Anti-Phishing Working Group
with federal government leadership from DHS; and CyberSecure
My Business™, which offers webinars, web resources and
workshops to help businesses be resistant to and resilient from
cyberattacks. For more information on NCSA, please
visit staysafeonline.org/about-us/overview/.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) expands the
boundaries of technology to make the most amazing experiences
possible. Information about Intel can be found at
newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.
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SOURCE National Cyber Security Alliance; Intel