| Millions of UK Internet users are putting themselves at risk of attack from Internet criminals because they don’t understand threats to their computer or the ways to protect against them. These are the findings of a new campaign called ‘Get Safe Online’ launched today in London to tackle this serious problem.
As threats from organised Internet criminals grow, new research from Get Safe Online www.getsafeonline.org 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 Get Safe Online campaign will raise public awareness of the issues and provide solutions through a new website: www.getsafeonline.org. The website is 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 HM 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. | 
