The Department of Housing and Public Work’s Cyber Security Unit has released updated advice on IT safety for Public Service employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the Unit said there had been a significant increase in the number of Queensland Government staff working from home due to the health crisis.
“As a result, we have produced advice to help you minimise the cyber security risks when working from home,” the Cyber Security Unit said.
It said workers using their own devices should ensure they were running up-to-date anti-virus software if they were accessing work information or systems.
“Turn on automatic updates if possible and don’t use free webmail platforms for official communications,” it said.
“Protect your device against malicious URLs by turning on a free DNS filtering solution.”
It also warned that there had been an increase in COVID-19 scams circulating online.
“You can visit the Stay Smart Online website, which provides up-to-date information on the latest COVID-19 scam messages targeting Australians and how to respond,” it said.
“If you suspect you have received a hoax or scam email at your work email address, report it to your IT service desk and delete the email without clicking on any links or opening any attachments.”
The Unit said if workers suspected they had received a phishing email, they should avoid clicking on links in emails or messages, or opening attachments, from people or organisations they did not know.
The Cyber Security Unit guidance can be accessed at this PS News link.
