Posted By: Mark Thatcher

Tue Oct 10, 7:00 AM ET

To: National Desk, Consumer and Technology Reporter

Contact: Chaunda Ball of AARP New York, 212-407-3732 or 917-859-0029 (cell)

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A new survey released today by AARP shows that while the vast majority, 67 percent, of New York City area residents aged 40 and over go online, and about half do so at least once a day, an overwhelming majority of 92 percent are concerned about providing their personal information online.

The report, "Caught in the Net: A Survey of New York City Area Residents 40+ About Online Use and Safety," also found that three-quarters (75 percent) of New York City area Internet users are unaware that when a website 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. Nearly all of New York City area Internet users (87 percent) report they have received spam and almost a quarter (23 percent) have 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," said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State director. "However, many New York City area 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 New York City area to heighten awareness and provide people the tools and information to use the Internet safely. Participating organizations are Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Geek Squad 24 Hour Computer Support Task Force, GetNetWise, i-SAFE Inc., Microsoft Corp., 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 hundred older New Yorkers are expected to attend a seminar today from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the CUNY Graduate Center on Fifth Avenue. Aronstein stated the information shared today will help AARP members stay safe online. AARP members in ever-increasing numbers are using the internet for information, commerce and keeping in touch with loved ones.

There will be another seminar at the CUNY Graduate Center on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and then the "Get Net Safe" tour continues to Philadelphia, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Seattle and Orlando.

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

To review the complete AARP survey please visit: http://www.aarp.org/research/frauds- scams/fraud/wy_id_theft.html.

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AARP has over 2.6 million members in New York State. 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. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our 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. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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