Credit unions and building societies: easy tips to staying smart and safe online
05 June 2009
To help raise public awareness and inform people how to stay smart online, credit unions and building societies have partnered with Government in its annual initiative National E-Security Awareness Week, happening this week, 5-12 of June.
National E-Security Awareness Week aims to help inform home users, students and small business users about the simple steps they can take to protect themselves, their families and their businesses online.
Louise Petschler, CEO of Abacus, the industry body for credit unions and mutual building societies, said the internet is a wonderfully accessible tool for all Australians, but that consumers need to be aware of the risks to confidently and securely access the internet.
“Credit unions and building societies have been involved with National E-Security Awareness Week for the past four years, since its inception. It is a great initiative to help inform and educate Australians of all ages how to stay smart online,” Ms Petschler said.
“Accessing the internet safely and securely is relevant to everyone in this day and age. It is important to know the risks that exist online and how to protect yourself from online crime like identity theft. The internet is incredibly useful, but people need to educate themselves about the risks that exist. There are four simple steps you can adopt to ensure you’re protected from cyber criminals and remain safe online,” said Ms Petschler.
To ensure you access the internet securely and with confidence, remember to:
- 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 personal information you give away about yourself and others online.
To sign up for the email alert service, or for more information and tips on how to stay smart online, go to www.staysmartonline.gov.au.
For more information:
Pamela Eldridge
Media Adviser – Public Affairs
02 8299 9024, 0423 843 790
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
