Stop. Think. Connect’ DHS Announces New Fear Agenda

Jason Douglass
January 13, 2011

Howard A. Schmidt, Special Assistant to the President and Cyber Security Coordinator, announced a new PSA video challenge from Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Video: Stop Think Connect Introduction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlAyccL8 ... r_embedded

Schmidt called for videos to target a particular audience (i.e. teens, young adults, parents or older Americans) and address the topic of internet security concentrating on the nebulous catch phrase ‘Stop. Think. Connect’.

The vague call for both online vigilance and educational video entries makes no reference to a specific type of threat such as terrorism or identity theft. Like many preceding campaigns headed by DHS, the latest scare tactic is designed to put the public into a state of mind where they must constantly question their individual safety.

“People cannot value security without first understanding how much is at risk. Therefore, the Federal government should initiate a national public awareness and education campaign…This campaign should focus on public messages to promote responsible use of the Internet and awareness of fraud, identity theft, cyber predators, and cyber ethics.â€