Simple ways to stay smart and secure online
Australians are being encouraged to take some simple steps to improve their online
security as part of National E-security Awareness Week (June 5-12).
“Being more secure online can be as simple as getting a better, stronger password and
updating it twice a year,” the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the
Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said.
“No-one wants to lose their bank details to criminals or fall victim to an online scam
and that’s why it’s important that people understand the simple steps they can take to
stay smart online and protect their personal information.”
National E-security Awareness Week aims to inform Australians about the
importance of e-security and highlights the simple steps people can take to protect
their personal and financial information.
The week involves a range of events designed to promote the stay smart online
message. This includes Change Your Password Day today.
Five simple tips for improving e-security:
Get a better, stronger password and change it at least twice a year.
Get security software, and update and patch it regularly.
Stop and think before you click on links or attachments from unknown
sources.
Information is valuable. Be careful about what you give away about yourself
and others online.
email alert service.
“Australians are increasingly using the internet in their everyday lives, doing their
banking, shopping, communicating with friends and family and running their
businesses. This activity will only increase as we rollout the National Broadband
Network,” Senator Conroy said.
“I would like to encourage all Australians to take these simple steps to being more
secure online, starting with updating their passwords.”
Attorney General, Robert McClelland emphasised that a partnership approach to e-
security is critical.
“Business and government are facing an increasing range of sophisticated threats to
their internet connected systems and government, businesses and individuals all have
an important role to play in ensuring Australia has a robust e-security environment,”
Mr McClelland said.
National E-security Awareness Week highlights a shared responsibility for e-security
as the Australian Government partners with more than 30 major organisations from
the ICT industry, commercial business, state and territory government agencies and
the community.
“I’d like to acknowledge the fantastic support of our partners who are participating
this coming week and encourage everyone to take part in the activities and events on
offer throughout the week ahead,” Senator Conroy said.
Information on National E-security Awareness Week activities and the alert service is
available on the Australian Government’s e-security website:
Contact:
Tim Marshall
(Minister’s Office)
0408 258 457
Lisa Norris
(Partners & Events)
0404 833 307
BACKGROUND
National E-Security Awareness Week is designed to raise public awareness of the
simple steps Australian internet users can take to stay secure online. The week is a
collaborative event between Government, industry and community organisations.
A steering committee comprising representatives from Government and industry was
established to guide the development of the week, in consultation with the
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
Key participating organisations include:
Attorney General’s Department
Australian Communications and Media
Authority
Australian High Tech Crime Centre
(Australian Federal Police)
Defence Signals Directorate
Department of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations
Abacus—Australian Mutuals (the
Association of Building Societies and
Credit Unions)
Australian Bankers’ Association
Australian Industry Group
Australian Seniors Computer Club
Association
Australian Telecommunications User
Group
eBay
Harvey Norman
Internet Industry Association
Internet Society of Australia
(ISOC-AU)
McAfee
Microsoft Australia
MySpace
Sophos
Symantec
Telstra
The Week is supported by:
ANZ Bank
Australian Football League
Commonwealth Bank
Dick Smith
KPMG
National Australia Bank
National Rugby League
Netball Australia
Quintessence Labs
Westpac Banking Corporation
State and Territory Governments involved the Week:
New South Wales
Victoria
South Australia
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Queensland
Information on National E-security Awareness Week activities is available on the
NEWS 
