20 January 2014

Waveney MP Peter Aldous is backing  “Be Cyber Streetwise”, a new campaign designed to help people and small businesses protect themselves against the threat of cyber crime.  The campaign is part of the Government’s National Cyber Security Programme.

According to Home Office more than 11 million internet-enabled devices were received as gifts during the Christmas period along. This includes laptops, tablets and smartphones. 
 
Findings from the Government’s most recent National Cyber Security Consumer tracker suggest more than half the population are not taking simple actions to protect themselves online.    
 
  • Only 44 per cent always install internet security software on new equipment
  • Only 37 per cent download updates when prompted
  • Less than a third habitually use complex passwords to protect online accounts 
  • 57 per cent do not always check websites are secure before making a purchase
The new campaign website provides advice on how consumers can protect themselves more effectively from cyber crime. The website address is: www.cyberstreetwise.com.
 
Peter Aldous said: “ It’s important that people are fully aware of the protective measures they can put into place to protect themselves from cyber criminals.  This campaign is designed to raise awareness of this ever increasing and important issue.”