Skills and knowledge consumers and small businesses need to take control of their cyber security.

Connectikpeople.co is happy to see Sophos involved in the UK Government's National Cyber Security initiative 'Cyber Streetwise', a new campaign aimed at changing attitudes to online security among consumers and small businesses, and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to take control of their cyber security.

The stakes are vital: online security attacks and threats become more and more sophisticated. Meaning that consumers and small businesses have to take action to protect themselves online.

According to SophosLabs over 30,000 new infected websites distribute malware every day and, contrary to popular belief, the majority around 80% is legitimate small business websites that have been hacked. ‘’It's therefore vital that small businesses in particular get the basics of security right , from installing antivirus to regularly updating and patching software, using complex passwords and protecting data."

Commented SophosLabs.

Connectikpeople.co recalls that, the Cyber Streetwise website: www.cyberstreetwise.com, offers a range of interactive resources for SMEs and consumers to gain advice on how to protect themselves online. Sophos, which has provided security expertise and content for the Cyberstreetwise site, is also pushing visitors from its own dedicated web page: www.sophos.com/cyber-street, to the Cyber Streetwise website.

In the same momentum, Cyber Streetwise is urging people to take five actions in order to protect themselves and others from cyber crime:

1. Use strong, memorable passwords
2. Install anti-virus software on new devices
3. Check privacy settings on social media
4. Shop safely online: always ensuring to check online retail sites are secure
5. Download software and application patches when prompted