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News and views : Protecting our Information Systems - Ecommerce Article
The article entitled: "News and views : Protecting our Information Systems" is in the Ecommerce Articles section of Operations Management Papers area...
ARTICLE DESCRIPTION: The UK is an 'information society'. Information systems are now an essential part of the way we live. They enable us to communicate faster and in more diverse ways than ever before - by mobile phone, e-mail, instant messaging, Bluetooth or wireless Internet connection. Not only do they provide us with the ability to indulge ourselves, such as booking holidays, but they run the critical systems behind our businesses. Information systems are so deeply embedded in our everyday lives that we tend to simply take them for granted. The confidentiality, integrity and availability of information systems and the information they handle are essential if we are to have trust and confidence in 'cyberspace'.
MORE INFO: News and views : Protecting our Information Systems The UK is an 'information society'. Information systems are now an essential part of the way we live. They enable us to communicate faster and in more diverse ways than ever before - by mobile phone, e-mail, instant messaging, Bluetooth or wireless Internet connection. Not only do they provide us with the ability to indulge ourselves, such as booking holidays, but they run the critical systems behind our businesses. Information systems are so deeply embedded in our everyday lives that we tend to simply take them for granted. The confidentiality, integrity and availability of information systems and the information they handle are essential if we are to have trust and confidence in 'cyberspace'. On 23rd February 2005, a new Government service was launched aimed at helping home computer users and micro businesses achieve higher levels of security. Launched by Home Office Minister Hazel Blears, the ITsafe service aims to provide advice and guidance on security matters as well as offering an email and texting service. Those who sign up for the emails will receive up to date alerts and bulletins on the most pressing IT issues. The website contains a wealth of information relating to computer technology. From the glossary to the step-by-step guides, ITsafe has aimed to provide all the information in plain English. At present, there are guides on subjects such as downloading patches as well as best practice tips on computer security and email security. Hazel Blears said: “There is a clear need for easy-to-understand and simple independent advice for non-technically minded people who use computers either at home or at work. The purpose of this new Government service is to ensure computer users are aware of the risks involved and how to deal with them easily and effectively without causing alarm. “Every day more and more viruses make their way on to the Internet and into people’s home computers, arriving with little or no warning with the potential to corrupt, wipe out or steal valuable data. “Defending yourself against this type of threat is where ITsafe comes in. Signing up to this service will give users an extra level of defence in two key ways; by providing general advice on IT security and issuing official alerts if and when it is felt there is a serious enough threat from a particular virus or other form of threat.” ITsafe is a Home Office funded initiative which uses information from both sources open to the public and also the technical knowledge of the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC). Roger Cumming, Director NISCC, said: “Computer systems affect every aspect of our lives, from the banking system to the health service”. “ITsafe will take our technical expertise and use it to help home users understand the risks and keep their computer systems, mobilephones and a range of related consumer electronic items, safe.” On a day-to-day basis, the service is being run by the Central Sponsor for Information Assurance (CSIA). This is a section of the Cabinet Office that reports directly to Sir David Omand, the Security & Intelligence Co-ordinator, who said “E-commerce is thriving and around 13 million homes now have internet access. This brings significant social and economic benefits to the nation but, as with everything in life, there are also some associated risks which must be addressed.” “It is essential that all IT users take precautions to protect themselves when they are online. ITsafe will alert home computer users about significant threats to their systems and give them advice and information to help them to go online safely and with confidence. Although primarily dealing with computer security at the moment, the service is designed to encompass those technologies which are used by the target audience. ITsafe has already published an advisory on a flaw in a mobile phone operating system, and it is expected that with more advanced operating systems in the future, this is an area which will have to be watched closely, as with more and more interactivity between systems and devices, the risks inevitably grow. . The service is free to all those who want it. Although specifically for home users and micro businesses, it is hoped that a more security aware user base at home will increase the security knowledge of staff when they come into the office. Visit the website at www.itsafe.gov.uk to find out more or to sign up.
PUBLISHER: Institute of Operations Management
Page number: 10 Word count: 730
Vol 31 - No 04 - June 2005
The article can be downloaded in full from the publisher's site i.e. the Institute of Operations Management.
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