Union tackles internet security

21/11/2008

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched a toolkit to help workers improve their internet security.

'Not Safe for work?' has been prepared with GetSafeOnline.org and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber acknowledged the benefits the internet has brought to UK firms but warned companies they also have a responsibility to educate their employees.

"Without training, staff may well find themselves the weakest link in the security chain, without ever knowing what they are doing wrong," he warned.

The guide reveals poor web security can lead to malicious software and identity theft. It also warns workers' identities and privacy can come under threat.

A report by GetSafeOnline found 66 per cent of web users said they used the same password for multiple sites, nearly a quarter had personal information online and 17 per cent had opened unidentified emails.

The government was previously accused of not taking this problem seriously enough, but has recently launched its first dedicated internet crime unit.

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