17 Nov 2009

Online security knowledge 'a must'

As more people become au fait with using the internet for both business and pleasure, it is important they increase their knowledge regarding online security, it has been claimed.

Robin Blake, head of media literacy at Ofcom, said over the last few years there has been a gradual increase in the number of people who use the internet, but so too has there been a rise in the number of threats to data security for these individuals.

He commented: "Concerns about the internet, concerns about people's safety and concerns about privacy are some of the things that prey on people's minds."

According to the Get Safe Online Report 2009, 70 per cent of people now make purchases online, compared with 61 per cent in 2007.

Similarly, 60 per cent use the internet for financial management - including banking and paying bills - compared to 47 per cent two years ago.