Get Safe Online is an authoritative and widely-respected resource designed to help individuals and small businesses stay safe, secure and confident when using the internet. The information and advice provided – on its UK website at www.getsafeonline.org, social media channels, media activities, outreach activities and via its partner channels – is designed to be impartial, practical and easy to follow by all of its target audiences. A specific landing page for East Sussex is also now available and can be accessed here: www.getsafeonline.org/eastsussex
Get Safe Online works closely with a number of police forces, local authorities and MOD organisations, and has also, over the last two years, established a network of websites and local representations in 24 Commonwealth countries, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Get Safe Online was established in 2006 and is a not-for-profit organisation. East Sussex Council is the latest authority to partner with this leading online safety organisation.
Participation by some of the most experienced experts within Get Safe Online at live events throughout East Sussex will also play a crucial part in spreading these important messages throughout 2022 – details of which will be publicised as they arise.
An East Sussex Ambassador scheme is also scheduled to be created, where local individuals will be invited to receive online safety training for free, enabling them to spread online safety messages within their own network and community. Details for this exciting initiative will follow early this year.
Cllr Carl Maynard (shown here), lead member for adult social care and health at East Sussex County Council, said: “For many of us the internet is a hugely important part of our lives, especially during the pandemic as we use it to shop, be entertained and to stay in touch with loved ones.
“But unfortunately, increased use can mean increased exposure to online scams and inappropriate content.
“Our new partnership with Get Safe Online will enable us to educate and inform residents and businesses across East Sussex about online safety for the next three years, helping them to remain safe and secure online now and into the future.”
Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, added, “There’s no doubt that the pandemic has created the perfect storm for fraud and online scams. Preoccupation with your own and your family’s health, wellbeing and finances as well as more time spent online has spelt success for the fraudster – which is why cybercrime has increased dramatically in recent months. Therefore, launching a new partnership with East Sussex Council is hugely exciting – the more advice that can be shared to help our communities stay safe online, the better. We look forward to working together and ensuring East Sussex gets safe online in 2022.”
