Think before you link: Campaign to counter hidden online threat to national security

Think Before You Link is a new government security campaign from CPNI, the UK Government’s National Technical Authority for Physical and Personnel Protective Security. The campaign videos and materials were created by London communications agency AML and highlight the possible dangers of connecting to unknown profiles on professional networking sites. The campaign has been adapted by UK ‘five eyes’ security partners UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

MI5 the security service has assessed that in excess of 10,000 UK nationals across virtually all government departments and key industries have been approached by malicious profiles on behalf of hostile states on a premier professional networking site over the last 5 years.

Ken McCallum, director-general of MI5, said “This campaign, which harnesses the insight derived from our intelligence, behavioural science experts and co-operation of Five Eyes partners, will strengthen the UK’s collective defences against this activity.”

Commenting on the campaign Ian Henderson, CEO, AML Group says “The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the potential dangers, to encourage behavioural change and to help people remember the key steps and actions to follow. Being duped into linking to people online who are not who they say they are is a very real threat – especially to those individuals with access to sensitive information. We’re very proud to be able to support the work of CPNI.”