Computer says "no", but maybe we still say "yes" far too much!

I'm surprised that the government's National Security Strategy has just identified cyber-terrorism as a major threat to the United Kingdom. Industry knew this years ago - and so did government!

Back in 2000 we had a rafter of snooping laws to deal with online (and offline) terrorism and serious crime - as well as to allow nosey busy-bodies the ability to snoop on the contents of your dustbin.

But, it's easy for us to blame the technology, government or corporate irresponsibility for everything that is wrong with the Internet. It's now time for each and every one of us to take some responsbility towards managing our cyber lives.

The Internet is no longer the domain of techies. We're all now better educated about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats from cyber space. We still do have choices about the information we give out and the actions that we take online. As we continue to invest in next generation broadband and strive to keep the UK globally competitive online, let's also ensure that our workers and citizens have the know-how skills to keep 'cyber-savy'.

Of course, we must still protect children and the vulnerable when they are online, but technology is not always the answer. For example, and speaking as a former prosecutor that specialised in paedophile cases, society can only control the behaviour of sex offenders in most cases, not cure them. Control is achieved by effective supervision and investment in the criminal justice system.

The recent criticism of Facebook over the murder of Ashleigh Hall does not help the debate. Yes, the circumstances were awful and I have every sympathy for her family. However, she chose to meet her killer which was beyond the reach of online technology. What happened to Ashleigh in these specific circumstances only became obvious after the event. Organisations are not judge and jury, but they do have a responsibility to work with criminal justice agencies to reduce the online risks from criminals (and terrorists).

So let's learn from what we now know. Taking personal responsibility for our cyber lives should be the starting point for building a more secure online environment that allows us to enjoy the personal freedoms and  opportunities that we have come to expect from the electronic economy.