11 Feb 2008
Robinson launches new IT security campaign
Finance Minister, Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA, today helped launch ‘makeITsecure’, a new campaign to highlight the need for online security.
The EU funded campaign addresses issues such as ID theft, phishing, social networking and PC viruses. It offers a timely reminder for us to exercise caution in an age when some 69% of the Northern Ireland public are regular online shoppers and 60% of our children actively engage in online social networks.
Recognising the positive role of IT in our everyday lives, but also highlighting the need for online vigilance, Mr Robinson underlined his support for the ‘makeITsecure’ campaign. He said:
“As we continue with our digital inclusion policy and as broadband usage levels increase in Northern Ireland, it is right that we remind people of the huge benefits of the World Wide Web and the Internet.
“However, we must also draw attention to some of the difficulties that can arise and provide easy and effective steps to protect the citizen’s personal information.
“By taking on board the lessons from this campaign, we can all enjoy the undoubted benefits of information technology and more importantly to be able to do so safely.
“I would encourage you all to take time to browse the new ‘makeITsecure’ website, learn from it and share its valuable lessons with others.”
The two week ‘makeITsecure’ campaign has a series of events planned, including television and radio advertisements, booklets dispensed through local newspapers and local banks, parent awareness discussions and a seminar.
For more information please visit: www.makeitsecure.org
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- ‘makeITsecure’ is a Government led initiative being run by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the Republic of Ireland. It is supported by Microsoft, Symantec, Irish Bankers Federation, BT Ireland, Eircom, 02, Vodafone, 3, National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE), Internet Advisory Board (IAB) and RTÉ.
- ‘makeITsecure’ is funded by the Special EU Programmes Body under the INTERREG IIIA programme.
- This is the first time that Northern Ireland has been included in the ‘makeITsecure’ campaign, but the third year that it has been held in the Republic of Ireland.
- Statistics quoted are from a survey by iReach Market Insights 1/2008
- Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
