Our web-based forms are safe for you to use
All the web-based forms on this site use powerful 128-bit security that encrypts your data, making it impossible to be intercepted.
This applies whether you are paying for something, or just asking a question about services through our enquiries forms.
This is why many of the links here for sending messages to council staff open a new web page. These let you type your enquiry and click 'submit', instead of starting your email software such as MS Outlook.
We chose this method because:
- email is not the most secure way for you to send personal information
- many people use web-mail systems such as Hotmail or Gmail, which would not be started by an active link designed to open Outlook for example
- people who don't have an email address, such as children, can still contact us in writing, or out of office hours, or anonymously.
Look for the little padlock icon that tells you when your information is being handled securely. It will often be displayed in the address bar or at the bottom right of your screen.
Sending us attachments or more confidential data via email
You can opt to use our special secure email system, so that all contents of your email, including any attachments, are encrypted until the person receiving the email unencrypts them using a key or password that only they know. It's simple to do, just follow our step by step instructions:
Learn more about staying safe online
'Get safe online' explains how to install a firewall and anti-virus software, prevent spam and spyware, and stay up to date against online fraud. It's a one-stop-shop for independent expert advice to help home computer users and small businesses protect themselves:
Get Safe Online is a joint initiative from the Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit and leading businesses.
Other websites
- Kidsmart
Focuses on five key safety tips which children need to remember when they use computers.
- Chatdanger.com
For parents and children – how to keep safe in unmoderated web chat.
- Directgov – Internet safety
Includes a guide to cyber-bullying, how to prevent your child from downloading and file-sharing illegally, and general advice on keeping children safe online.
- Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)
Includes some useful links for your own children to learn about the subject, and tools to customise your borwser.
- Internet Watch Foundation
Gives comprehensive advice about safe use of the Internet for parents and schools.
East Sussex County Council