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Partnering with major Australian and international companies, peak bodies and community groups, the federal government has launched National E-security Awareness Week, with the aim being to highlight the simple steps Australians should take to stay smart online.

"Millions of Australians are now using the internet for a whole range of everyday activities. The internet is a very useful and entertaining medium, however it is important that people stay smart and think about online security," Senator Conroy said.

National E-security Awareness Week, to be held from 6-13 June, is an Australian Government initiative to help Australians understand e-security risks and how they can protect themselves online.

"Many people find internet security challenging and are looking for simple guidance on what they can do to stay smart online," Senator Conroy said, adding that, "The Australian Government has to help raise community awareness of e-security issues throughout National E-security Awareness Week".

There is also a free subscription-based service, available through the Stay Smart Online website, that is designed to provide Australians information on e-security threats and vulnerabilities and advice on how to manage them.

"The website will also include a new Small Business Self-assessment Tool which will help small businesses analyse their online security practices and adopt appropriate measures to improve online security," Senator Conroy said.
According to Senator (aka Cyber-Superhero) Conroy, there are five top tips to tips to creating a more secure online environment:

   1. Install, use and update your security software.
   2. Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
   3. Use common sense when sharing personal information online.
   4. Think before you click—if it looks too good to be true it probably is!
   5. Be smart and stay informed and visit www.staysmartonline.gov.au