The internet is ultimately a wonderful thing that helps us communicate with friends, access a world of information and even save money. But there are some risks we need to be aware of, just like in the real world.
Well over eight million homes in the UK experienced some form of cyber-attack in the first three months of the year according to figures from Life Online, our study of the nation’s broadband habits. That’s close to half of all homes with an internet connection having to deal with problems ranging from a full-scale hack through to being bombarded with unwanted ‘pop-up’ advertising.
Worryingly, in the first three months of the year more than 700,000 attempts at identity theft were mounted on Britain’s homes. Our findings also suggest that at least 420,000 children aged 6-17 may have shared personal information with strangers. Unsurprisingly this is parents’ greatest fear with 73 per cent saying their single biggest concern about the online world is their children’s personal safety.
Last month the Office for National Statistics revealed that 21 per cent of UK internet users believe that they don’t have sufficient skills to protect their personal data leaving online users feeling vulnerable and exposed. While almost everyone in our study says it’s important to protect their home internet connection from online threats but the way they do it varies enormously with 10 per cent relying solely on their own vigilance rather than using security software.
TalkTalk is committed to protecting each and every household. HomeSafe, our free network level security service, alerts customers if they are about to visit a website that’s infected with malware. Built into the broadband network itself and unique to TalkTalk, HomeSafe protects every computer and device using the home internet. It is designed to be quick and easy to set up in five clicks or less and does not have to be downloaded onto any computer or device at home.
HomeSafe also allows busy parents to control what websites their children can see and when, even helping limit access to social networking sites like Facebook during homework time. In addition to HomeSafe, TalkTalk’s Super Safe Boost provides protection against security threats, viruses and will remove existing infections, whether you’re connected in the home or out and about.
It would be a shame if fears about security and safety prevented anyone from enjoying all the benefits of the online world. People do have to take individual responsibility for protecting themselves online, but TalkTalk customers can be safe in the knowledge that HomeSafe and Super Safe Boost give them the UK’s most complete safety and security offering.
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Jenny - The Equity Release Warehouse
I would think this is a very good idea as most of our clients are over 55 and are often targeted by criminals wishing to blackmail money from them. More should be done for the elderly as they are not all afraid of the internet and use it for day to day tasks. I hear this all the time..