Awareness Week

National Cyber Security Awareness Week is an Australian Government initiative, held annually in partnership with industry, community and consumer groups and state and territory governments. The 2012 Awareness Week is from 12 to 15 June.

Awareness Week helps Australians understand cybersecurity risks as well as educating home and small business users on the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online.

Last year, more than 500 partners from industry, community and consumer organisations and all levels of government collaborated to deliver Awareness Week events and activities across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia. The 2012 Awareness Week will build on these partnerships to strongly promote cybersecurity messages through events, seminars, webinars, blogs, media opportunities and distribution of materials.

See the full listing of 2011 National Cyber Security Awareness Week partners.

Why is cybersecurity awareness important?

Australians are increasingly relying on the internet in their everyday lives for banking, shopping, education and communication. It is, therefore, important that they are able to use the internet in a secure and confident manner. The government has established a range of initiatives to raise the awareness of Australian internet users about the importance of cybersecurity and the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online.

Get involved

There are several ways you can get involved in National Cyber Security Awareness Week.

Become a partner—if your organisation would like to become a partner, there is a range of promotional material available for use on your website, in workplaces or in publications. Contact us for more information.
Host an event in the office, on site or online. For more information, see:
- Event guidelines (PDF, 115.5 KB) | (DOC, 630.5 KB)
- Event criteria (PDF, 119.5 KB) | (DOC 630.5 KB)
Attend an event—a range of local public events will be held throughout National Cyber Security Awareness Week across Australia. For more information, see:
- 2012 National Cyber Security Awareness Week Events Calendar (PDF, 144.0 KB) | (DOC, 639.0 KB)
Spread Awareness Week messages through your staff, business and consumer channels.
Share research and information on the Stay Smart Online Facebook or write a Blog.

Remember the top tips

Whether or not you're able to get involved in National Cyber Security Awareness Week, remember these ten simple tips for better online security:

Install and update your security software; set it to scan regularly.
Turn on automatic updates on all your software, particularly your operating system and applications.
Use strong passwords and different passwords for different uses.
Stop and think before you click on links and attachments.
Take care when transacting online – research the supplier and use a safe payment method.
Only download "apps" from reputable publishers and read all permission requests.
Regularly check your privacy settings on social networking sites.
Stop and think before you post any photos or financial information online.
Talk with your child about staying safe online, including on their smartphone or mobile device.
Report or talk to someone if you feel uncomfortable or threatened online – download the Government's Cybersafety Help Button.

For more information

For more information about National Cyber Security Awareness Week or to become involved please contact:

Cybersecurity Program Section
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
GPO Box 2154
Canberra ACT 2601

Tammy Wolffs
Tel: 02 6271 7062
Fax: 02 6271 1827
Email: awarenessweek@dbcde.gov.au

Media

For all media inquiries about the National Cyber Security Awareness Week or Stay Smart Online please contact:

National Cyber Security Awareness Week Media Team
Porter Novelli
Tel: 03 9289 9555
Email: ncsaw@porternovelli.com.au

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