Get Safe Online campaign launched

Organised crime is continuing to prey on unsuspecting Internet users who don’t understand the threats they face each time they go online.

A new campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers they face with the launch of a new website Get Safe Online (www.getsafeonline.org).

New research from the campaign has shown 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 of the website reveals the extent of public uncertainty in the UK, where the online retail economy is worth £10 billion a year.

The new website is designed to be a one-stop-shop for information and advice about online safety for home and business users. The campaign is a joint initiative between HM Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit. John Hutton, Cabinet Minister responsible for e-Government, explained: “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. It’s a challenge that I believe will be achieved by this collaboration between public and private sectors we’ve created. I’m delighted with the support the campaign has already received.”

Sharon Lemon, Head of the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit explained the challenge to the UK: “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.”