About The Online Safety Foundation

Cybercriminals, hackers, terrorists, and other malcontents are constantly pushing the limits of Internet security. Most of the time, it’s about making money. Sometimes, it’s about breaking through security and gaining bragging rights. And, once in a while, it’s about causing widespread chaos. No matter the motivation, it can be dangerous to be online.

For years, USSPI’s executive director, David Gewirtz, has been helping Americans stay safe online. Through all his various outreach efforts, it has become clear that a more central resource is necessary to help educate online citizens about how to keep themselves safe.

The concept of the Online Safety Foundation was inspired by another important program: the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Motorcycle riding is inherently harder and more dangerous than driving a car. And yet, many people who get on a motorcycle do so without any formal training, especially safety training. The MSF trains riders to be safe riders, training which helps save lives. A graduate of MSF programs, Gewirtz realized that what the Internet needs is a similar program to train Internet users to be safe surfers, and that’s how the Online Safety Foundation came to be.

The Online Safety Foundation will continue Gewirtz’ outreach through radio and TV programs and interviews, articles on Web sites, online forums and discussions, lectures, online training, and possibly workshops held throughout the country.