Internet users 'don't understand threats'

As a result, a new campaign has been launched - 'Get Safe Online' - offering advice and urging businesses and members of the public to take the threat from online criminals more seriously.

Recent research highlighted how over three-quarters of the UK's population (83%) did not know enough about protecting themselves online.

A study carried out by Get Safe Online revealed that 42% of the population simply relied on friends and family for online safety advice, rather than finding expert information. Also, only 15% of people believed that it was their responsibility to protect themselves from cybercrime.

One in five people in the UK (17%) said internet crime was of greater concern than physical crimes like car theft and mugging. But, despite this, 22% of computer users still opened suspicious files from unknown sources that could unwittingly spread viruses to others, the research showed.

Necessary information

The Get Safe Online report, was published jointly by the Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) - part of the National Crime Squad - and private sector companies such as BT, Dell, eBay, Microsoft and MessageLabs.

According to the report the online retail economy is now worth around £10 billion a year in the UK, and 14 million people use online banking.

The campaign group is hoping to raise public awareness of the issues and provide solutions through the new Get Safe Online website - see link above/right. The site includes advice for both individuals and businesses.

The NHTCU said that the site would provide reliable, up-to-date information about online safety. Its head, Sharon Lemon, said: "Increasingly we are seeing organised criminals turning to the internet as a vehicle for their criminality.

"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."

Three steps

John Hutton, cabinet minister responsible for e-Government, added: "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."

As part of the campaign a fleet of 10 Get Safe Online Campaign Minis will carry "campaign ambassadors" on a public advice tour of major UK cities over the next two weeks.

As a first step, the campaigners will be advising computer users to carry out a "SAFE" check - S for running an anti-Spyware programme, A for Anti-virus protection, F for using a Firewall and E for Ensuring that operating systems and other software are up to date.

They will also be recommending that users take time to educate themselves and their families about the risks and applying "reasonable judgement" when online.

Thirdly, users should "keep monitoring and stay alert" by making sure that spyware and anti-virus programmes are up to date.