AARP survey details 40+ Chicago internet users' concerns about online safety and desire for information…AARP teams up with Microsoft, others to raise awareness with 'Get Net Safe' Tour

CHICAGO, Sept. 13 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A new survey released today by AARP Illinois shows that Chicago area residents aged 40 and over are online users, and most do so at least once a day. An overwhelming majority of those surveyed, 98 percent are concerned about providing their personal information online.

The report, "Caught in the Net: A Survey of Chicago Area Residents 40+ About Online Use and Safety," also found that three-quarters (77 percent) of Chicago Internet users are unaware that when a Web site has a privacy policy, it does not prevent them from sharing customers' personal information with others.

According to computer security experts, if you're connected to the Internet, your computer is attacked approximately 300 times per hour by spyware, viruses and unwanted software. Almost all of Chicago area Internet users (89 percent) report that they have received spam and yet nearly a third (30 percent) has opened email attachments from someone they didn't know.

"The power of the Internet puts information, resources and the world just a mouse click away," John Reinhart, Interim State Director for AARP Illinois; "however, many Chicago Internet users are rightly concerned about the misuse of their personal information online. AARP is proud to be part of the Get Net Safe tour which seeks to raise awareness among PC users of what threats exist, and more importantly, empower them to protect themselves.

The tour combines the resources of 11 national organizations to host a series of seminars, luncheons and school assemblies throughout the greater Chicago area to heighten awareness and provide people the tools and information to use the Internet safely. Participating organizations include: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Geek Squad 24 Hour Computer Support Task Force, GetNetWise, i-SAFE Inc., Microsoft Corp., and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard Online and the Department of Commerce.

Two events will be held this week -- Wednesday the Community House in Hinsdale, and Thursday -- Southeast (Atlas) Center in Chicago. AARP Associate State Director Beverly Moore stated that information such as was shared today will help our members stay safe online. AARP members in ever increasing numbers are using the internet for information, commerce and keeping in touch with loved ones.

Future stops on the tour include: Detroit, New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Seattle and Orlando.

For more information about the Get Net Safe tour and safe Internet practices, visit: http://www.staysafe.org.

To review the complete AARP survey please visit: http://www.aarp.org/il

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, AARP monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, AARP bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, AARP quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and AARP website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Event Schedules
Washington, D.C. (.doc file, 45 KB)	May 16, 17, 18
Boston	June 6-8
Phoenix	Aug. 22-24
Chicago	Sept. 12-14
Detroit	Sept. 26-28
New York City	Oct. 10-12
Philadelphia	Oct. 17-19
Charlotte, N.C.	Oct. 27-29
Los Angeles	Nov. 14-16
Seattle	Nov. 28-30
Dallas	Aug. 29-31
Orlando, Fla.	Dec. 5-7