A total of 74 per cent of parents do not use any special software to restrict their children's Internet, use according to research published today.
The research also found although 37 per cent of parents do not monitor what their children do online, 76 per cent have discussed the potential dangers of Internet use with their children.
The research published today, is part of a computer safety campaign run by the Department of Communications.
Make IT secure Dayaims to educate people about issues they face online such as phishing (a form of online fraud), spyware, identity theft and child safety online.
The research - conducted by Amarach Consulting - found that only 13 per cent of people surveyed had a good understanding of phishing, only 19 per cent understood identity theft, and only 24 per cent know what spyware is.
The research also found broadband use has increased 8 per cent in the past year.
Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey today said: "The aim of the . . . campaign is to ensure that all PC users are encouraged to continue to use technology, but to ensure that when doing so, they are taking the precautions that they need to protect themselves when online."
Some of the campaign's safety tips include:
- Do keep your anti-virus software up to date.
- Do keep your anti-spyware software up to date.
- Do keep your operating system software up to date.
- Do make sure that, if you're sending sensitive personal information, your connection is secure. A closed padlock icon appears on the status bar and the url will start with https:// rather than http://
- Do make sure the security settings on your Web browser are sufficiently high.
- Do use secure passwords to protect access to your system. Passwords should be changed regularly.
- Do frequently make and check back-up copies of your data and store them in a safe place.
- Don't open e-mail attachments from people you don't know.
- Don't open e-mail attachments from people you know unless you know what's in the attachment.
- Don't share your password with anyone.
