Selected Online Tools

Countries are developing varied and useful tools to encourage awareness, education and individual responsibility for creating a secure world. This page presents a selection of hands-on security tips, tools and tricks being developed by government, business and civil society.

International & Regional Initiatives

APEC

OECD Member Countries

Australia

  • Cybersmart Kids Online
    A young person's guide to smart 'net surfing, chatting and emailing, available in several languages.
  • Internet Industry Association Security Portal
    Updated daily, this site provides resources specifically aimed at SMEs and domestic users to increase their security awareness and equip them to better protect themselves.
  • Internet Security Essentials for Small Business
    A portal to existing resources, tools and websites to help small businesses understand and manage e-security issues.
  • NetAlert
    A website that provides a wealth of practical advice on Internet safety, parental control and filters for the protection of children, students and families.

Austria

  • A-SIT (Austrian Secure Information Technology Centre) (in German)
    This site aims to consolidate know-how in the field of IT security for public authorities, business and civil society.

Canada

  • Online E-Security and Privacy Guide (in English and French)
    This website is specifically designed to help SMEs understand security and privacy risks associated with conducting business on line as well as help them conduct risk assessments and develop security policies.
  • e-biz.enable (in English and French)
    This practical website aims to educate businesses and SMEs about safety measures, tools and techniques to ensure a secure environment.
  • Canadian Consumer Information Gateway (in English and French)
    This website offers an array of publications, tip sheets and information sources on Internet safety and security, among other issues. 

Finland

  • Tietoturvakoulu (in Finnish and Swedish)
    This comprehensive web service designed to support information security teaching in schools provides clear material in innovative ways to teachers, students and parents alike.

Germany

Ireland

  • NetSecure.ie
    This site forms the centrepiece for the Irish Network Security Awareness Program. Principally aimed at SMEs and citizens, it provides advice on how to implement basic computer security.

Japan

Korea

  • boho.or.kr
    This security portal provides businesses with the means to conduct security self-assessments, among other awareness-raising activities.

Mexico

  • ¿Navegas seguro en Internet? (in Spanish)
    This site provides "two-minute" practical guidance on surfing the Internet safely, including information about firewalls, virus protection, etc.
  • Ciberhábitat - Café  (in Spanish)
    This user-friendly site from Mexico  creates an online space for dialoguing with security experts.

Netherlands

  • SurfopSafe (in Dutch)
    This site hosts a variety of user-friendly security materials, from  practical information on safer use of the Internet, brochures, posters, lectures and workshops (including specific courses for parents and teachers), market research, guides for SMEs on safe e-commerce and prevention of cybercrime.
  • National Alerting Service (De Waarschuwingsdienst) (in Dutch)
    This online service  aims at providing Dutch citizens and SMEs with timely information on security-related incidents by distributing early warnings and alerts. It also provides the general public with information in Dutch  on critical vulnerabilities and viruses.

Norway

Spain

  • Alerta-Antivirus (in Spanish)
    This early alert service for viruses provides free and detailed  information on information security and provides links to free security tools.
  • navegacion-segura.es (in Spanish)
    This "secure navigation" service provides secure web-surfing to adults as well as children.

Sweden

  • Computer security test for consumers
    Online test of the security of the user's configuration (press release in English)
  • Internetsakerhet (in Swedish)
    This practical site provides SMEs and citizens with helpful information on Internet security.
  • SurfaLugnt (in Swedish)
    An attractive website campaign, this site aims to address consumers' security concerns and behaviour.

United Kingdom

  • DTI Information Security Health Check
    This comprehensive online tool provides  an indication of an organisation's information security status based on the user's answers to a series of questions.
  • ITsafe (IT Security Awareness For Everyone)
  • This website provides basic, plain language guidance on information security issues and operates a free warning service.
  • Get Safe Online
    "Expert advice for everyone": this website helps protect users against Internet threats. The site is sponsored by government and leading businesses working together to provide a free, public service.

United States

Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden

  • SAFT (Safety, Awareness, Facts and Tools)
    An awareness project that works to teach children and their parents safer use of the Internet.

European Schoolnet

  • dotSAFE
    This site by 26 European ministries of education hosts a searchable database of resources, links and tips on Internet security.
Top of page

Promoting a Culture of Security

OECD Guidelines for the Security of Information Systems and Networks: Towards a Culture of Security

The 2002 Security Guidelines provide high-level policy principles aimed at all participants to foster a culture of security for information systems and networks

The Promotion of a Culture of Security for Information Systems and Networks in OECD Countries

A major information resource on governments’ efforts to foster a shift in culture as called for in the OECD Security Guidelines, 2005