Are you the weak link in your workplaceís Internet defences?

As Get Safe Online Week draws to a close today (Friday), the TUC is launching a new toolkit to help improve workersí Internet security awareness and skills.

The TUC is concerned that while employers are improving their Internet security systems, their good work could be undermined if they fail to ensure that their staffís skills are up-to-date.

The 2008 Get Safe Online Report, published earlier this week, revealed that 66 per cent of internet users admitted to using the same password for multiple websites, 23 per cent had posted confidential or personal information online, and 17 per cent had opened email attachments from an unknown source, potentially putting themselves at risk from viruses or other malicious software.

This could have a huge impact on employers, who may stand to lose valuable commercial or customer data, or lose money through damage or downtime due to attacks.

In response, the TUC has teamed up with GetSafeOnline.org and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) to produce Not Safe For Work? – a free online toolkit for staff.

The toolkit brings together video interviews from industry experts, quizzes and reading lists, and offers a personalised prescription on Internet security issues that is tailored to an individualís Internet usage.

Areas of advice include the four main threats to workersí online security including;

Malicious software – viruses and other programs that attack your computer and companyís IT system;

Identity theft – criminals breaking your passwords in order to steal valuable personal and company data;

Your rights at work –the dos and doníts of personal computer use at work and whether you are being monitored;

Your privacy online – tips for social networking users, whose personal and work life could be visible to more people they think.

As well as being used by many UK workers directly, it is hoped that employers will make time available for their staff to use the toolkit, as a kick-start into longer term plans for training in this area and to ensure their employees are as up-to-date as possible.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: ìThe benefits that the Internet brings to UK business are growing every day. Social media and networking are increasingly important to peopleís professional and personal lives.

ìBut employers must make sure that staff are aware of the dangers associated with working online. Without training, staff may well find themselves the weakest link in the security chain, without ever knowing what they are doing wrong.î

GetSafeOnline.org Managing Director Tony Neate said: ìThe Internet is a fantastic place to be, and a valuable resource for both individuals and employers. But having the right software and infrastructure in place is not enough on its own to protect your organisation against online threats.

ìBehaviour plays a key part, and knowing what should and shouldnít be done while weíre using the Internet is just as important. As a result, staff training is an essential part of protecting organisations and employees against Internet threats and risks.î