Government launches new on-line

The UK government has launched a new on-line safety initiative, ITsafe.

ITsafe is designed to help protect home computer users and small businesses from viruses and other threats online.

The IT Security Awareness for Everyone Web site offers free advice as well as virus and threat alerts allowing computer users to surf the net and send and receive e-mails more safely.

The service, a Home Office funded initiative, uses information provided by the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC) - the government's centre for cyberdefense. It aims to reassure users by advising them on how best to protect their personal and business data.

"There is a clear need for easy-to-understand and simple independent advice for non-technically minded people who use computers either at home or at work," Hazel Blears, Britain's Home Office Minister said. "The purpose of this new government service is to ensure computer users are aware of the risks involved and how to deal with them easily and effectively without causing alarm.

"ITsafe will take our technical expertise and use it to help home users understand the risks and keep their computer systems, mobile phones and a range of related consumer electronic items, safe," Roger Cumming, Director of NISCC, said.

To sign up users can simply visit the Web site where they will be asked to provide their e-mail address. For those who prefer, a text message service to a mobile phone is also available.

Alerts will consist of an e-mail or text message outlining specific threats and what damage they can do. Users will then be directed to clear, step-by-step advice on how to respond and therefore maximize the security of their computers, software and personal or business data.

Very responsible!