An official advertising ‘Cyber Streetwise’ campaign about online safety has launched. It includes on-street posters (pictured), website and online videos.
With more than 11 million internet-enabled devices received as gifts during Christmas 2013, Cyber Streetwise is encouraging people to protect themselves and their families online by visiting the website for tips and advice. The new website offers a range of interactive resources, tailoring an individual’s visit to provide advice on the essentials for enjoying a safe experience online.
Home Office Security Minister James Brokenshire said: “The internet has radically changed the way we work and socialise. It has created a wealth of opportunities, but with these opportunities there are also threats. As a government we are taking the fight to cyber criminals wherever they are in the world. However, by taking a few simple steps while online the public can keep cyber criminals out and their information safe. Cyber Streetwise is an innovative new campaign that will provide everyone with the knowledge and confidence to make simple and effective changes to stay safe online.”
Warwickshire and West Mercia Detective Superintendent Paul Williamson, the senior officer responsible for tackling online fraud and other cyber crime across the two police force areas, says research shows people are often lax with their cyber security, taking chances online they would never dream of taking elsewhere: “As with any type of crime, we need people to be aware of what is happening and to adopt basic security measures to protect their online interests.
“It’s pleasing to note that in many of the traditional crime categories – such as burglary, violence and robbery – there has been a steady decrease in recent years. However, this is in stark contrast to cyber crime, where figures continue to rise.”
The government quotes findings from its most recent National Cyber Security Consumer Tracker that suggest more than half the population are not taking simple actions to protect themselves online. While 94 per cent of people believe it is their personal responsibility to ensure a safe internet experience, the research points to:
•only 44 per cent always install internet security software on new equipment
•only 37 per cent download updates and patches for personal computers when prompted – falling even further to a fifth (21 per cent) for smartphones and mobile devices
•less than a third (30 per cent) habitually use complex passwords to protect online accounts; and
•57 per cent do not always check websites are secure before making a purchase.
The Cyber Streetwise campaign says that safety precautions taken in the real world have similar relevance in the virtual world. Research shows that shoppers don’t adopt the same behaviours when shopping online as contrasted with shopping on the High Street. A person wouldn’t walk around with their bag open or wallet on show, yet when shopping online due to the speed of technology, people can be open to unnecessary risk if they aren’t careful when using their credit card.
There are five actions people can take to protect themselves and others from cyber crime. The key behaviours are:
1.using strong, memorable passwords
2.installing anti-virus software on new devices
3.checking privacy settings on social media
4.shopping safely online – always ensuring to check online retail sites are secure; and
5.downloading software and application patches when prompted.
The research shows our biggest concerns when it comes to online safety are identity theft (48 per cent) and losing money (52 per cent). People report having lost from £1 up to £10,000+ as a result of having their credit card details stolen and used to buy goods/services in their name. The total fraud loss in the UK amongst adult individuals is £4 billion (source AFI).
Almost a third (32 per cent) of those who admit to not installing security software on internet devices blame a lack of understanding, while around a fifth (18 per cent) say they did not realise the risk. Visit https://www.cyberstreetwise.com
