ATLANTA – Americans for Technology Leadership today joined with Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Electronic Commerce Association and Troutman Sanders Public Affairs Group, LLC to host a “Take Back the Net” cyber security workshop in Atlanta. The event, which took place at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center, provided useful information for area residents about how they can protect themselves from a variety of cyber-threats, such as spam, computer viruses, identity theft, spyware, and phishing scams.

The workshop, part of an ongoing series of cyber-security workshops across the country, featured presentations from tech and business experts who provided information about tools they have developed for computer users and general tips on cyber-security. Attendees heard from Attorney General Baker, Jim Prendergast of Americans for Technology Leadership, and representatives from Visa and Microsoft.

"As our society has uses the Internet for financial transactions, daily communication and recreational pursuits, criminals have targeted the Internet as a one-stop-shop for access to personal or financial information," said Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker. "Law enforcement units, such as Georgia’s Cybercrime Task Force, will continue to focus on apprehending those who would victimize Internet users. The breadth of the problem, however, demands that users educate themselves on how to best avoid becoming a victim. Today’s workshop is a positive first step for consumers looking to arm themselves in the fight against cybercrime."

“While the technology industry continues to provide innovative new tools for consumers, this battle will require a united effort by industry, law enforcement and consumers,” Jim Prendergast, executive director of Americans for Technology Leadership. “The experts who joined us today helped inform the audience about what steps they need to take at home and at work to protect themselves online.”

All participants encouraged the audience to share the information they gained with their friends, family and neighbors to ensure that as many consumers as possible are armed with the information they need to protect themselves.

“Working together the technology industry and law enforcement, educated consumers can ‘take back the net’ from the criminals who are trying to wreak havoc on our lives,” Prendergast added.”