A Staffordshire computing expert is helping to spearhead a UK wide campaign aimed at keeping people safe on line.

Liz Thursfield, former Associate Dean of Computing, Engineering and Technology at StaffordshireUniversity, is heading the social media campaign for Get Safe Online.

Liz, of Stafford, runs social media consultancy Ariadne’s Thread which helps many public and private sector organisations to use tools such as Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook to promote themselves online.

Her success has led to her being asked to represent the Get Safe Online campaign – a partnership between the Government, the police and the business community.

The social media campaign will back up a high profile media campaign and meetings with Government Ministers and other opinion formers.

Liz said: “I am thrilled to be involved in helping to spread such vital safety information on issues such as identity thefts, on line scams, computer viruses and spam emails.

“Get Safe Online week – which starts on 15 November – will see a series of high profile events to raise awareness among computer users.

“The internet is a great way of sharing information and a wonderful educational asset.

“But, on line communication can be used to exploit people, including our children, and we must all learn to take simple steps to protect ourselves and our families.

“I will be helping to raise awareness through Tweets and on Facebook.  People can follow me on Twitter @GetSafeOnline.”

Liz‘s top tips for keeping safe on line:

• Use strong passwords that contain numbers and symbols as well as letters

• Install a Firewall and anti-virus software on your computer
• Make sure your wireless networks are secure

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For further information contact Liz Thursfield on 017894218878

Email: [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

Get Safe Online is a joint initiative between the Government, law enforcement, leading businesses and the public sector. The aim is to provide computer users with free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow them to use the internet confidently, safely and securely.

Get Safe Online week is an annual event to raise awareness of internet safety issues.

The organisers reach out to consumers and small businesses through competitions, events and PR activity. The annual Get Safe Online Summit kicks off the week on Monday, 15 November in central London.

Find out more about Get Safe Online by logging on to www.getsafeonline.org or by following Liz’s Tweets @GetSafeOnline.