Can we have a peaceful virtual existence

In an ever increasing online world it seems we need more and more help to ensure we can live out a peaceful virtual existence and not suffer from criminal attack, hooliganism, intimidation or general intrusion. For example, as reported in the Guardian 3 February, mass-marketed scams are costing adult victims £3.5bn a year, according to new figures from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Mike Haley, head of Scambusters at the OFT, was reported as saying, "Scammers are finding more ruthless and sophisticated ways to exploit modern tools such as the internet, email or text messaging. It is important to dispel the myths that scams are victimless crimes and involve only small amounts of money. These scams deeply affect individuals and families, leading to debt, depression, and even suicide. Though anybody can be conned, it is always the vulnerable who suffer the most." Children are similarly at risk. For example, "Bullying by mobile phone, email or over the internet is a growing problem, according to a survey by the Teacher Support Network and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers" (Guardian, 12 February).

Whilst laws and regulations can provide a framework to deal with perpetrators, it is we, the virtual citizens, who must practice self defence. That is why services such as Get Safe Online, the UK's first national internet security awareness campaign, are very useful. It is a joint initiative between HM Government, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and BT, eBay.co.uk, HSBC, Microsoft and SecureTrading, and aims to "raise awareness and to help educate the general public and small businesses about the dangers of e-crime and how to use the Internet safely and securely, primarily through the campaign website www.getsafeonline.org".

This service provides useful advice on living and working virtually. This advice is provided in three broad categories: Protect your PC - block viruses, hackers and other threats; Protect yourself - protect your family, money and privacy; and Protect your business - extra advice for small businesses.

For example, a recent addition to the website addresses the issue of online dating. It suggests that there are serious risks associated with meeting people online. These include

It is suggested that you choose your dating forum carefully. "For example, you should look for a site that will protect your anonymity until you choose to reveal personal information. Also look for a site that will enforce its policies against inappropriate use." It is further suggested that you protect your privacy. "You are in control of what happens. Don't let anyone pressure you into giving away more information than you want to. You wouldn't give your phone number to every stranger on the street. Similarly, don't post personal information, such as phone numbers, in public places on the Internet."

Such advice seems obvious but there are many Internet residents who fail to realise that this virtual world can be as dangerous as the real one and simply leave their commonsense at the keyboard.

For small businesses there is sound advice on how to establish a secure Internet presence through effective staffing and infrastructure policies. Throughout there are salutatory real case studies of what can go wrong and the resulting devastating consequences. The danger of wireless networks is illustrated by the following example.

"His small office contained three desks and three computers, all networked together and connected to a broadband internet connection using a wireless network.

Two of his staff were out with clients and he was alone in the office with a friend who helped them out with IT problems.

The internet connection had been getting slower and slower and he couldn't figure out why.

The computer expert quickly found the problem. Trying to secure the wireless network, he had looked up who was connected to the wireless network.

There were five users connected. But only three PCs in the office and only one of them was switched on. His neighbours in the office building and in the residential street outside were simply freeloading on his connection. He was paying for the broadband and they were blagging it.

The friend quickly locked them out and hoped that none of them had used the connection to hack into one of his friend's computers.

An extensive 2002 survey found that 92% of wireless networks in London had not taken basic steps to restrict access. That's over 4,500 networks that are wide open to people freeloading internet bandwidth or, worse, snooping on private data."

And Get Safe Online seem to practice what they preach. The terms and conditions of use of the website state:

... reserves the right to remove from and block contributions ... which

This seems sound advice for anyone operating a website that supports interaction with and between visitors. It is clear that we all need to play our part in ensuring anyone and everybody experiences a peaceful virtual existence.

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