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The Internet Industry Association, Australias national body for internet content, commerce and connectivity today launched a consumer empowerment program to complement ACCCs the national anti-scam campaign.
The 'Protect Your Computer' campaign directs users to information and tools to overcome the problem of poorly secured computers, a key element of identity theft - a precursor to scams and more serious cybercrimes.
Says IIA chief executive, Peter Coroneos, 'Regrettably, with more and more Australians online, the chances of exposure to fraudulent conduct also increases. We hope to minimise the risk of exposure to problems like identity theft and scamming by reminding users of the need to exercise caution and make sure their systems are properly secured.'
'We are delighted that a number of our leading members have agreed to support our push with the offer of free trial internet security software - so now there is no reason why users should remain unprotected online.'
Mr Coroneos pointed to the continual stream of advice sought by users to the IIAs dedicated Security Portal 'Ask an Expert' forum.
'It may seem hard to believe, but people are still getting caught by pretty basic scams. We get inquiries from people who have believe they have won an online lottery. The classic Nigerian letter scam is alive and well in Australia. In both cases victims are conned into sending thousands of dollars up front to unlock millions of dollars that don't exist,' he added.
'Scammers are preying on naivety and an innate human desire to trust - then combine that with offers that sound too good to be true. Unfortunately, a minority of internet users continue to get duped. For them, the losses and distress are all too real.'
'Unprotected computers add to the problem by allowing scammers and crooks to steal personal information which they use to defraud users or target offers. Sometimes computers are also hijacked by fraudsters, enlisting unwitting users into spreading criminal communications. We need to break this cycle.'
The three key messages of the 'Protect Your Computer' campaign are:
1. Keep your protection software up to date
2. Don't respond in any way to unsolicited emails (unless you have reasonable grounds for trusting the source)
3. If in doubt, delete.
'Our message is simple. You should NOT be on the internet today without current, updated software tools - that means a reliable firewall, and anti-virus, anti-spam and anti-spyware solutions, which should be updated regularly. The cost is not great and will give you much greater peace of mind.'
Internet users are urged to visit the IIAs free security portal for internet users at www.security.iia.net.au where software offers and more information is located.
The government's ScamWatch initiative can be found at: www.scamwatch.gov.au
For further information, please contact:
Peter Coroneos
Chief Executive, IIA
Phone +61 2 6232 6900
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