The government’s plan to get everyone online ticks all the boxes except security

Dyhouse: Security may not be glamorous, but lack of trust is one of the biggest barriers to internet uptake

Last month, the government launched its Manifesto for a Networked Nation, as part of its Race Online programme, laying out measures to get the remaining 10 million people who don’t use the internet, to do so.

So far so good. As the manifesto illustrates, the internet brings economic benefits, reduces isolation and offers access to government and commercial services which the elderly and disadvantaged stand to benefit from.

What is concerning is that nowhere in the 67-page document is there any mention of security or online safety. The failure to address this at the very top shows that security is still not taken seriously by those with the power to make a difference.

This is understandable but illogical. Security may not be glamorous, but lack of trust is one of the biggest barriers to internet uptake, with some indications suggesting it costs $1 trillion globally. So why, in a programme aimed at stimulating the economy and encouraging those reluctant to use the internet to do so, was security not mentioned? In fact, why was it not one of the top issues?

People who don’t currently use the internet are unlikely to be aware of basic online safety measures. A large group who are new to the internet will be a prime target for cyber criminals. At best this will discourage web use, at worst it will mean large amounts of money stolen from those who need it most.

Users, not technology, are responsible for most security breaches. Education about how to use computers safely is just as important as security software and should be incorporated into any training programme, even those run on a casual basis.

This programme largely relies on individuals to encourage others online. Security advice is available via partner web sites, but in my experience such things tend to be overlooked in favour of more ‘glamorous’ uses of the internet, unless their importance is really hammered home. The programme therefore stands to hugely benefit from more emphasis on security.

Advice only needs to cover the basics such as how to avoid phishing emails. Much of this is covered on existing resources such as Getsafeonline.org, but it must also be integrated into education or support packages such as how to use email or online banking. If people aren’t taught this in a way that empowers them, they will not feel comfortable using the internet or they will rush in blindly and risk making costly mistakes.

It’s a shame that here is a government plan with extremely good intentions and huge potential which, with a few changes and no significant cost, could have greatly improved its effectiveness, as well as really making a difference to the country’s awareness of security.

I would urge anyone involved in the programme to place online security high on their agenda and hope that future programmes might include security as a priority. As for this programme, I wish them every success with their many excellent ideas, but can’t help feeling there is a real missed opportunity here.

Tony Dyhouse is Director of the Cyber Security Programme for the Digital Systems Knowledge Transfer Network. It is an independent body that brings together business, government and academia to develop effective responses to cyber security threats.