Initiative aims to curb identity theft in Florida

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Florida ranks as the state with the most identity theft complaints in the nation. Also, Miami-Fort Lauderdale is ranked No. 1 in terms of complaints among the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. In order to combat this, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is hosting a series of cyber security events this week in Miami to increase awareness and provide tips for prevention, the Sun-Sentinel reports. DHS' Stop.Think.Connect. initiative is part of its Cyber Week event, launched this week by Miami-Dade County mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. Law enforcement agencies, businesses and consumers are all invited to be a part of the program, which began Monday with visits to schools and universities. "Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and all Americans must work together to take steps to protect themselves, their families, their communities and the nation," as stated on the initiative's website. The campaign will also reach Nova Southeastern University, D.A.R.E. America, the Coral Gables Police Department, the Miami-Dade Parent Teacher Association (PTA), YWCA and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.