The Department of Communications and the Arts has used this week as Stay Smart Online Week to encourage computer users to take control of their online identity by reviewing their privacy settings, knowing how to spot scams and creating strong and unique passwords.
In a statement, the Department said the theme for Stay Smart Online Week is Reverse the Threat.
“We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves, families, businesses and communities safe from cyber-crime,” the Department said.
“Each year, through Stay Smart Online Week, we urge industry, small business, community groups and all levels of Government to raise awareness about the ways people can protect themselves online.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton joined in the Week saying cyber security had never been more important to Australia’s economic prosperity and national security.
“How the Government can better protect Australians from cyber-crime is part of the national conversation we are having as we develop the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy,” Mr Dutton said.
“Cyber security incidents cost Australian businesses up to $29 billion each year, with almost one in three Australian adults impacted by cyber-crime in 2018,” he said.
Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds said that all Governments, industry and individuals must be proactive about protecting themselves online.
“The Australian Cyber Security Centre sees hundreds of reports daily from businesses, families and individuals who have fallen victim to scams, ransomware, sophisticated fraud or the theft of their intellectual property,” Senator Reynolds said.
“We want to reverse these statistics, but this is a challenge that can only be overcome by working together.”
More information about Stay Smart Online and its week of reversing the threat can be accessed at this PS News link.