The government has been urged to make its advice about avoiding cyber crime and staying safe on the internet easier for people to understand. A new report from the Commons Science and Technology Committee said a sustained campaign to raise awareness of online security is required, with jargon removed and a greater emphasis on advice delivered in plain English.
It also said educating internet users, rather than "scaring people" about the dangers of cyber crime, is the best approach. "Better public information about computer safety could save huge numbers of people the hassle of having their personal details stolen," said chair of the committee Andrew Miller.
"Knowledge is the best defence against fear," he added. People should be confident in ensuring their own safety online rather than depending on anti-virus programmes and other software, the group of MPs said. The report was published shortly before activist hacker group Anonymous claimed to have intercepted a private conference call between FBI agents and members of the Metropolitan Police.