#GetSafeOnline week

This week is Get Safe Online Week run by Get Safe Online, the UK’s national internet security awareness initiative. Now in its tenth year the week aims to educate, inform and raise awareness of online security issues to help consumers and small businesses use the internet safely and confidently.

PhonepayPlus is supporting the week and its theme, ‘it’s always personal’, by sharing advice and information each day on how to protect yourself when using your phone online.

Look out for our advice from @PhonepayPlus and you can follow what is going on using #GetSafeOnline.

What can you do?
Here are a few ideas on how you can get involved in the week.

Have a think about friends, family and older people you know who may be vulnerable when using the internet. Are they accessing the internet through their smartphone and do they know when they may incur charges to their phone bill from online activity? Could you provide them with some advice and guidance on using mobile apps and in-app purchases?

According to a 2014 Ofcom report, 31% of UK children aged between 5 and 15 own a smartphone and 34% own a tablet. Do you speak to your child/children about how they use apps? A conversation with them now could save you from a shock next time you open your phone bill.

Have you ever thought about how you use the internet on your smartphone? Are you using it safely or do you need some guidance on how to protect your device?

Knowing where to find the right advice and who to turn to if you have an issue is also important. Here are some useful links:

Get Safe Online – The joint public private internet safety partnership has a wealth of advice, information and resources for consumers and businesses on how to stay safe online. www.getsafeonline.org

PhoneBrain – This interactive website includes top-tips, a quiz, and learning resources for both children and parents. PhoneBrain is run by PhonepayPlus to educate children about phone-paid services and how to avoid incurring high bills. www.phonebrain.org.uk

Action Fraud – The UK’s national fraud and internet crime reporting centre is located within the City of London Police. You should contact Action Fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber-crime. www.actionfraud.police.uk