The fourth edition of the Finnish Information Security Day took place on 8 February. The main target groups this year were schoolchildren and small and medium-sized companies. Information can be found at:
www.tietoturvakoulu.fi
www.tietoturvaopas.fi (information security guide)

Information security requires constant alertness, responsibility, respect for others and updates at least once a year:

 

The National Information Security Day was held on Thursday 8 February 2007 to provide all Finns, particularly schoolchildren and entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized companies, with better information security. In previous years, Finnish schools already warmly welcomed the Information Security Day and there is evidence that the project in question has helped the young people in using the internet safely.

Children and young people use the internet in diverse ways: for entertainment, keeping contact with their friends, using online services, searching information and learning. The internet is currently the most used medium among young people. However, not everything is nice or true on the internet - that is why it is important to be aware of information security issues.

Once again the young public was reminded of accountability, taking others into consideration and following common rules. Teachers and parents are in a key position to awaken children and young people to the opportunities and threats of the internet.

Games teach internet rules:

The new Net Detectives game for young internet users was launched in the framework of the Information Security week. In the game, young detectives help solve knotty problems they come across on the internet.

The detectives’ chores cover the topics of posting photos on the internet, giving out personal details, using online services and evaluating whether or not an online service is reliable. The chores also involve protecting from malware, sharing and downloading movies and other material under copyright, and netiquette.

The game ends with a quiz. The fastest quiz participants will be rewarded in spring 2007.

Even though the game targets students in grades 7 to 9, it is available to all - even adults. The Net Detective game is available at tietoturvakoulu.fi (Safer Internet School).

Schools are net smart:

 

Another novelty on the tietoturvakoulu.fi website is a check list for schools to help teachers map information on security issues that concern schools and on cooperation between school and homes. The check list provides good tips on what questions should be brought up with students.

Schools that have successfully completed the list can download a banner. This indicates that they are internet-savvy and can be placed on their website. Schools can also join a link list via which they have access to the work other schools have done on information security.

"Godparent" activities have been experienced as useful and will continue in 2007. On the tietoturvakoulu.fi website, teachers are welcome to search for a support person from the Godparent Bank free of charge. The “godparent” can talk about the safe internet use directly to students and can additionally be booked to assist at teacher or parents’ conferences.

The topic of this year's Information Security Day was "Make sure you are not cheated on the internet - won’t you?"

Three steps towards using the internet safely:

 

Follow rules

• Rules must be followed even on the internet
• Follow good manners
• Do not bully anyone on the internet
• Don't download music, movies or games illegally on the internet.