Security information to Internet users - PTS-ER-2005:33

15/08/2005

Since December 2002 the National Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) has been assigned by the Government to compile information about Internet security, and make this available for Internet users. PTS has had a maximum of SEK 5 600 000 at its disposal for this assignment. PTS’s final report is presented here.

The overall information objective has been to enhance the awareness and knowledge of the target groups about security on the Internet so that they will use the Internet in a more secure way and not expose themselves or others to unnecessary risks.

In November 2003, PTS launched a website and an interactive course together with printed material. This website, in a new version, which includes an interactive web assistant and a new web service for consumers to test security of personal computers, was launched in mid-April 2005. PTS also conducted a web campaign to market the website and service and also produced new printed material.

As the final result of the assignment, PTS can observe the following:

• Over 180 000 tests conducted through the new web-based service Testa Datorn 
• Over 250 000 visits to the website
• 30 000 visits to the interactive course on the website
• In June 2005 the website was awarded Website of the month by Sweden’s largest home computer magazine PC för alla
• Over 25 000 questions have been dealt with by PTS’s virtual web assistants
• Over 150 press clippings
• 100 000 information cards with table stands have been distributed
• 60 000 brochures Surf Securely have been distributed
• 10 000 magazines Get Connected have been distributed
• The Swedish Consumer Agency (KOV) and PTS have, together with several operators, implemented a joint information initiative regarding modem hijacking
• PTS has in 2005 participated actively together with 14 other organisations in Surfa Lugnt – a national campaign about Internet securit

Since 2003, the Swedes have become more careful about their own Internet security. According to an annual survey conducted by PTS (under the auspices of TEMO), Swedish households have to a greater extent learned to use firewalls and updated antivirus programs when they surf. During 2003, 23 per cent of Swedish households had a firewall. In 2004, this figure had increased to 47 per cent. 53 per cent used an updated antivirus program during 2002. This figure had increased to 78 per cent during 2004.

However, in the opinion of PTS, continued information measures are required over the long term in order to ensure that people have a real understanding and knowledge about how to surf more securely. And not least to become aware that it is not only isolated initiatives that are required, but a change in approach.

PTS considers that the authority has formed a credible foundation for communications using channels that are used by the target groups. PTS therefore considers that it is important that the authority is allowed to continue with new and previously commenced information activities.

Responsibility for security on the Internet is today shared between various stakeholders, where of course users bear great responsibility for the security of their environment and their behaviour on the Internet. In order to meet the future challenge of ensuring that Swedes continuously surf securely, PTS also proposes the Government that the responsibility regarding Internet security between Internet operators, suppliers and homeusers is investigated.