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As threats from organised Internet criminals grow, new research
from Get Safe Online has found that over three quarters of the
UK’s population (83%) don’t know enough about protecting
themselves online. In fact 42% of the population just rely on
friends and family for online safety advice rather than finding
expert information for themselves.
The Get Safe Online Report which
supports the launch reveals the extent of public uncertainty in
the UK, where the online retail economy is worth £10 billion a
year and 14 million use online banking.
To help the public educate
themselves, the campaign will raise public awareness of the
issues and provide solutions through a new website -
www.getsafeonline.org.
Which claims to be a one-stop-shop for reliable, up-to-date
information about online safety, to give home users and small
businesses the advice they need to use the Internet safely.
The campaign is a joint
initiative between the Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime
Unit, part of the National Crime Squad and private sector
sponsors from the worlds of technology, retail and finance,
including: BT, Dell, eBay, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Microsoft,
MessageLabs, securetrading.com and Yell.com.
Launching the fleet of 10 Get
Safe Online Campaign Minis that will carry campaign ambassadors
on a public advice tour of major UK cities, TV presenter Richard
Hammond explained the simple steps everyone should learn: “We
wouldn’t leave our front door open or our cars unlocked, but we
regularly use the net without taking basic precautions. It’s not
difficult to use the Internet safely; it comes down to some
basic rules we should all remember."
Firstly, Protect your PC
Ensure your PC is secure by doing a ‘SAFE’ check:
S
= Spyware - run an anti-spyware programme
A = Anti-virus - get anti-virus protection
F = Firewall - have a firewall and make sure it’s switched
on
E = Ensure your operating system is updated
Secondly, Protect Yourself
Take time to educate yourself and your family so you understand
the risks and apply reasonable judgement when you’re online
Thirdly, Keep Monitoring and
stay alert
The threats are always changing so it’s important to ensure your
spyware and anti-virus programmes are up to date.
And if you can’t remember that –
you just have to remember one web address:
www.getsafeonline.org
October
2005
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