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Government Security

Australia holds cyber security awareness week

By Johanna Morden | 31 May 2011

The Federal Government of Australia yesterday launched the National Cyber Security Awareness Week.

An initiative of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and the Attorney-General’s Department, the annual event aims to provide a better understanding of cybersecurity risks and inform citizens and government agencies of the simple steps to take to be more secure online.

The government has partnered with industry, community and consumer groups and State, Territory and local governments to conduct events and activities around the country to mark the event.

More than 500 organisations are participating to promote cyber security and cyber safety messages to the Australian community, said Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

“The internet is an integral part of our everyday life whether shopping, socialising or doing business”, said Conroy.

“It is, therefore, important that Australians are able to take full advantage of the benefits offered by the internet in a safe and secure manner, whether they are on their laptop, smartphone or gaming console,” he added.

Robert McClelland, the Australian Attorney-General also highlighted the importance of cyber security.

“Cyber security is a shared responsibility and Awareness Week demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together towards helping Australians be safe and secure online,” he said.

McClelland also released the second edition of Protecting Yourself Online – What Everyone Needs to Know, during yesterday’s launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Week.

Over 438,000 copies of the first edition booklet or brochure have been given away to community legal centres, government agencies and programmes, libraries, and internet service providers.

According to a joint statement from Conroy and McClelland, the publication “brings together information and advice from a range of Australian Government departments and agencies, in one handy booklet, to help all Australians stay safe and secure when using the internet - whether dealing with scams, spam, banking or bullying.”

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