January 23, 2003

North Dakota State University Extension Service Dedicated to Consumer Protection

The NDSU Extension Service has joined a group of federal, state, and local organizations and advocacy groups to launch the fifth annual National Consumer Protection Week, according to Debra Pankow, NDSU extension family economics specialist. The week of Feb. 2-8 is set aside for highlighting consumer protection and education efforts. 

This year’s theme, “Information Security:  Putting the Pieces Together,” focuses on practical steps consumers and businesses can take to manage and prevent the misuse of personal information. 

“Online safety is the responsibility of everyone who uses a computer, regardless of their age or occupation,” Pankow said. “I encourage everyone to take a look at the security of their personal information, online or off.” 

Pankow notes that securing computers is largely a matter of routine maintenance.  Strong passwords, firewalls, and up-to-date anti-virus software can go a long way toward protecting computers and preventing network damage and information theft. 

During National Consumer Protection Week, representatives from various groups and organizations will help consumers and the business community understand how information security affects the decisions they make at home and in the marketplace. 

Organizers for this year’s National Consumer Protection Week are the Federal Trade Commission, National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators, National Consumers League, AARP, Better Business Bureau, Consumer Federation of America, U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, National Association of Attorneys General, and the Federal Consumer Information Center. 

“The NDSU Extension Service is proud to be a partner in sharing the message of the fifth annual National Consumer Protection Week campaign,” Pankow said. “Our goal is to help provide consumers and businesses with important tips to help them manage their personal and sensitive information wisely and minimize its misuse.” 

All organizations, even those that don’t focus on information security issues, are encouraged to participate in the campaign. For example, employers can educate their employees with articles in employee publications, postings on their Intranet sites or lunchtime seminars. 

For more information about National Consumer Protection Week, visit www.consumer.gov/ncpw or contact your local branch of the NDSU Extension Service. 

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Source: Debra Pankow, (701) 231-8593, dpankow@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu