PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortify Software today announced that in support of the second annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Fortify board member Howard Schmidt will embark on a six-week, worldwide tour focused on highlighting key initiatives to promote the awareness and adoption of safe online behaviors. Throughout the month of October, Schmidt will cross the globe to preach security awareness and practices in cities such as Brussels, Copenhagen, Denver, Dublin, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Miami, New York Orlando, San Diego, and Washington DC.

As the former chief security officer or strategist for organizations including eBay, Microsoft and the White House, Schmidt has extensive experience and insight into how organizations and individuals can protect themselves from malicious hackers. He is working with key industry partners to spread the word about online safety by providing tips and tools, and hosting special events designed specifically for the home, business and education communities. Specific activities can be found on the National Cyber Security Alliance website: http://www.staysafeonline.org/. Additional resources can be found at the Federal Trade Commission's website: http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft , http://www.onguardonline.gov/index.html and http://www.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp .

"With much of the world's key resources running on computer systems and our dependency on Information Technology Systems for our day-to-day security and financial activity, it is important that we continue to improve cyber security from the early stages of application development to maintaining the security of our computers in our homes and offices," warns Schmidt. "Cyber crimes are becoming so widespread and spreading so rampantly, combating attacks requires an ongoing collective effort of dedicated individuals and organizations alike to fight the battle, as well as a strengthening of technology infrastructure itself."

The goal of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to ensure the safest, most productive online experience for the broadest possible audience. When identity fraud, viruses, spam, spyware or any number of online threats afflicts consumers, it diminishes the economic power and productivity of the Internet and compromises the many online activities that consumers and business require.

"Solving identity theft will require an active partnership between consumers learning how to protect themselves and businesses fixing their software systems to prevent hackers from stealing critical personal data," said John Jack, CEO of Fortify Software. "In the end, when the public feels safe online, consumers and businesses alike will gain because trust in Internet-based services will mean a larger, more satisfied market."

About Fortify Software, Inc.

Fortify Software products protect companies from the threats posed by security flaws in business-critical software applications. Its flagship software security suites for Source Code Analysis and Attack Simulation drive down costs and security risks by automating key processes of developing secure applications prior to deployment. Founded in 2003, Fortify Software is backed by Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers and a world-class team of software security advisors and partners. More information is available at http://www.fortifysoftware.com/.

CONTACT: Kim Milosevich of OutCast Communications, +1-415-392-8282, or
[email protected], for Fortify

Web site: http:///www.fortifysoftware.com