McAfee Cares Main Areas of Focus
In hopes of achieving the greatest impact, McAfee Cares concentrates charitable and community efforts on two overlapping areas.
Cybersecurity
McAfee Cares wants to make the Internet a safer place for all users. In 2008, we launched the McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime, a global effort to educate consumers about online crime, bolster technology innovation, and support law enforcement in the fight against cybercriminals. A key part of the strategy is the McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime Grants Program, which makes grants to select nonprofits that demonstrate success in fighting cybercrime or educating consumers about online criminal activity. For more information about grant qualifications, see the McAfee Initiative to Fight Cybercrime Grants Program Overview.
McAfee also recognizes the valiant work of individuals and organizations worldwide who are achieving much-needed success in this important fight against cybercriminals. The McAfee Cybercrime Fighter Award is given to an individual who has exemplified outstanding leadership in the global effort to combat cybercrime. Honorees raise awareness of cybercrime prevention, lead law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute cybercrime, educate the next generation of cybercrime fighters, create innovative ways to combat cybercrime, protect consumers and children from cybercrime threats, and engage in other efforts. McAfee is proud to have the opportunity to recognize these individuals for their achievements.
As cybercrime continues to grow, McAfee has undertaken several initiatives to educate consumers and protect children. In October 2009, McAfee launched the Cybersecurity for Kids pilot program, with the aim to teach children how to safely go online. Working with the National Cyber Security Alliance to develop classroom materials, employees in Beaverton, OR; Plano, TX; St. Paul, MN; and Santa Clara, CA visited local schools to teach kids about cyberthreats and ways to stay safe online. The Cybersecurity for Kids program, now known as Online Safety for Kids, will expand to locations across North America and include channel partners to teach more school children about using computers and mobile devices safely and securely.
Education
Education is a core focus of our community and philanthropic efforts. In addition to encouraging an awareness of cybercrime dangers among the Internet’s youngest users, we direct both funds and volunteer efforts toward programs that expand educational access to economically disadvantaged children. Among the supported initiatives are programs in India that help children develop computer skills through courses held at a McAfee office, and a program that allows McAfee employees to make donations that pay for educational expenses of local children, matching the money set aside by parents.
