How Safe is the Internet?

Written by: Michelle Dillard

How safe is the internet?

Identity theft is the highest-reward, least-risk crime the world according to one of the cyber security experts gathered for the first episode of the Texas Lyceum/PBS Great Debate Series.

“Our Growing Lives Online: Safe or Not?” will air at 9 p.m. April 27 on KTXT-TV Channel 5. From Facebook to identity theft to paying bills online, the program offers practical ways to protect online information.

Click here for a sneak peak.

As part of it's mission to focus on national and state issues, the Texas Lyceum is working with Texas PBS stations to create a series of programs focused on issues that matter to Texans.

“This forum on cyber security doesn’t just make for great TV,” said Jack Morgan of KLRN. “It gives viewers an hour’s worth of information they likely haven’t heard anywhere else to protect them and their families. We are proud that the Texas Lyceum approached us to produce and direct this timely and informative program and our decision to make it happen and available statewide is another example of why Texans need their local PBS stations.”

The program was taped live Feb. 5 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theater in San Antonio and moderated by San Antonio Express-News Editor-in-Chief, Bob Rivard and was produced with the Texas Lyceum and KLRN-TV in San Antonio.

The one-hour forum features noted Cyber Security experts including:

• CEO of SecTheory Robert Hansen, leading expert on web application, browser and e-commerce security
• Nicole Beebe, assistant professor of information systems at University of Texas at San Antonio
• Ari Schwartz, vice president and COO of the Center for Democracy and Technology
• Bill Morrow, CEO of CSIdentity

“This unique forum on cyber security will be followed by a second Lyceum Great Debate in April on health care reform and wellness produced by KUHT in Houston.” said Kierstan Schwab, executive director of Texas Public Broadcasting Association.

Details, including air dates on KTXT-TV Channel 5, are pending.

The Texas Lyceum acts as a catalyst to bring together diverse opinions and expertise to focus on national and state issues, and seeks to emphasize constructive private sector, public sector and individual responses to the issues.