Get Safe Online Week - 17 to 21 November 2008

Updated November 2008

This year's Get Safe Online Week commenced on 17 November. Get Safe Online is a government initiative set up to advise and encourage individuals and small businesses to protect themselves online, in particular from viruses, identity theft and online fraud.

As part of this initiative, Get Safe Online Week is an annual event that aims to increase the public's awareness of how to keep themselves safe when using the internet.

With the increasing press coverage given to data breaches and identity theft, people are becoming much more aware of how their personal information is used. The Get Safe Online website contains advice on a range of online issues, including information about how to protect your PC and resources for parents, teachers and young people.

The website also includes useful advice on protecting your business, including:

• ensuring that your staff are trained adequately
• that you have good staff policies in place
• that access to critical information is controlled
• that remote access is secure, and
• that you comply with the Data Protection Act.

Now, more than ever, it is essential that businesses are seen to be looking after the personal information of their customers and employees. Get Safe Online Week is a good opportunity to review your policies and processes and consider whether they are sufficiently robust to protect you from a data breach.

For further information on Get Safe Online Week go to the Get Safe Online website (see related information). If you have any concerns about whether your data policies and processes are compliant or if you have any questions about this article then please contact Alison Deighton.

This publication is intended for general guidance and represents our understanding of the relevant law and practice as at November 2008. Specific advice should be sought for specific cases; we cannot be held responsible for any action (or decision not to take action) made in reliance upon the content of this publication.