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27/10/2005
Report reveals 'confusion' over online safety
Millions of UK Internet users are putting themselves at risk of online attack because they do not understand the threats to their computer and the information stored on it, and the ways to protect it.
A new campaign ‘Get Safe Online’ launched in London today, aims to highlight this serious problem.
Despite a growing threat from organised Internet criminals, new research for campaign group Get Safe Online found that 83% of the UK’s population do not know enough about protecting themselves online, and 42% of users were relying on friends and family for online safety advice.
The “Get Safe Online Report” revealed worrying public uncertainty in the UK, where the online retail economy is worth £10 billion a year and 14 million use online banking.
John Hutton, Cabinet Minister responsible for e-Government, said: “The internet has become an essential tool for businesses and consumers, and has brought enormous benefits to our everyday lives, but we all know there are risks too. That’s why we’re running the Get Safe Online campaign to make the internet a safer place to make financial transactions and exchange personal information”.
The campaign launched by TV presenter Richard Hammond calls for people to ensure your PC is secure by doing a "SAFE" check to make sure Spyware; Anti-virus protection; and a Firewall are installed; and to Ensure that the operating system is up-to-date.
The campaign is a joint initiative between HM Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit 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.
Sharon Lemon, Head of the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit said: “Increasingly we are seeing organised criminals turning to the Internet as a vehicle for their criminality. And as more of us are connecting to the Internet to shop, bank and communicate, we need to make sure that we do so as safely as possible. Get Safe Online gives the public the information they need to protect themselves.”
Visit Get Safe Online for further information.
(SP/KMcA)
A new campaign ‘Get Safe Online’ launched in London today, aims to highlight this serious problem.
Despite a growing threat from organised Internet criminals, new research for campaign group Get Safe Online found that 83% of the UK’s population do not know enough about protecting themselves online, and 42% of users were relying on friends and family for online safety advice.
The “Get Safe Online Report” revealed worrying public uncertainty in the UK, where the online retail economy is worth £10 billion a year and 14 million use online banking.
John Hutton, Cabinet Minister responsible for e-Government, said: “The internet has become an essential tool for businesses and consumers, and has brought enormous benefits to our everyday lives, but we all know there are risks too. That’s why we’re running the Get Safe Online campaign to make the internet a safer place to make financial transactions and exchange personal information”.
The campaign launched by TV presenter Richard Hammond calls for people to ensure your PC is secure by doing a "SAFE" check to make sure Spyware; Anti-virus protection; and a Firewall are installed; and to Ensure that the operating system is up-to-date.
The campaign is a joint initiative between HM Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit 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.
Sharon Lemon, Head of the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit said: “Increasingly we are seeing organised criminals turning to the Internet as a vehicle for their criminality. And as more of us are connecting to the Internet to shop, bank and communicate, we need to make sure that we do so as safely as possible. Get Safe Online gives the public the information they need to protect themselves.”
Visit Get Safe Online for further information.
(SP/KMcA)
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New internet safety advice to target children online
New internet advertising which targets children with safety advice when they are online has been unveiled by the government today. The new campaign of radio and online adverts, launched to coincide with Parents Online Week, is designed to encourage children to think twice about whom they might be communicating with in chat rooms.
New internet safety advice to target children online
New internet advertising which targets children with safety advice when they are online has been unveiled by the government today. The new campaign of radio and online adverts, launched to coincide with Parents Online Week, is designed to encourage children to think twice about whom they might be communicating with in chat rooms.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
