Joint Media Release
Attorney-General
Hon. Robert McClelland MP
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Senator Hon. Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy and Attorney-General Robert McClelland today launched National Cyber Security Awareness Week 2011.
As part of the Awareness Week, Senator Conroy today announced the development of a cybersafety guide to help protect children online, including while using social networking sites.
The Easy Guide to Socialising Online, which provides information about the cybersafety features of different sites – including social networking sites, search engines and online games – resulted from work done by the Government’s Youth Advisory Group on Cybersafety (YAG).
“YAG members told the Government it can be difficult to know how to change privacy controls or report abuse and that their parents would also like to understand a little more about the sites their children are visiting,” Senator Conroy said.
“The Internet is an integral part of our everyday life whether shopping, socialising or doing business.
“It is important all Australians, but in particular the young, 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.”
Senator Conroy said the Government was working with industry representatives and members of our Consultative Working Group to develop this guide. Feedback from participants at today’s dedicated workshop on the guide will refine the final version which will be launched later this year.
National Cyber Security Awareness Week is an Australian Government initiative held annually in partnership with industry, consumer and community organisations, as well as all levels of government, with more than 500 organisations participating to promote cyber security and cyber safety messages to the Australian community.
Mr McClelland said the Internet had the potential to make our day-to-day lives richer and easier but all users must remain vigilant about online security.
“Advances in the technologies we use, and the reasons we use it, are accompanied by developments in the number and type of cyber threats we face” Mr McClelland said.
“The Australian Government has made cyber security a top national security priority and has invested significantly in enhancing Australia’s cyber security capabilities.
“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.
Mr McClelland also launched the second edition of Protecting Yourself Online – What Everyone Needs to Know.
“Over 438,000 copies of this publication’s first edition have been distributed through libraries, internet service providers, community legal centres and government agencies and programs.
“It 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.”
As part of the week’s activities, Senator Conroy welcomed students, parents and teachers to the annual Cybersafety Summit.
“The Cybersafety Summit provides the Government with a great opportunity to consult with young people, parents and teachers on how to keep young Australians safe online” Senator Conroy said.
Senator Conroy also announced a revised Budd:e Cyber Security Education Package for Australian primary and secondary school students. Budd:e is a key component of the Government’s cyber security awareness initiative that helps Australian children adopt safe and secure online practices and behaviours.
“The updated package now includes more comprehensive resources for teachers and more engaging modules for students” Senator Conroy said
Senator Conroy also released the results of the teachers’ survey conducted in 2010.
“Our survey showed that almost two-thirds of all teachers have accessed one or more key cyber safety information sources, including the Australian Government’s own ‘Cybersmart’ website” he said.
For information on 2011 National Cyber Security Awareness Week events and activities, or a copy of Protecting Yourself Online – What Everyone Needs to Know, visit the Stay Smart Online website at www.staysmartonline.gov.au.
Media Contact: Ryan Liddell 02 6277 7300
