As the host of the annual Secure360 Conference, UMSA is proud to congratulate the winners of the Kids Safe Online poster contest. As we become more dependent on technology, young people are faced with the pressures and conflicts that come with some of the most advanced technology any generation has seen. Younger populations using digital devices are vulnerable, and there are great organizations getting involved in education to keep these kids safe.

The MN.IT Services Information Security team coordinates a state-wide safety poster contest, Kids Safe Online Program, in conjunction with the contest sponsor, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS ISAC). This year, students were asked to create original artwork that demonstrated concepts such as a) only visiting safe websites, b) Interacting with others and not bullying or threatening others on the Internet, and c) protecting against identity theft.

Grade school students who enter the contest are judged on the following criteria:

• poster concept
• creativity
• originality

Minnesota had two winners (from 140 posters submitted by 16 states) at the national level: Amy, an 8th grader, and Madeline, a 5th grader, both students at Transfiguration Catholic School in Oakdale. Amy and Madeline’s winning posters will be part of the 2014 Cyber Security Calendar.

More information on the “Kids Safe Online” poster contest can be found here. You can also view the winning posters on the Secure360 website.