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The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today launched National E-security Awareness Week 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.

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

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.

'Today, I am also pleased to announce the new Stay Smart Online Alert Service with up-to-date advice on the latest e-security risks tailored for Australian internet users.'

This free subscription-based service, available through the Stay Smart Online website, will 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.

The Australian Government has partnered with major Australian and international companies, peak bodies and community groups to help raise community awareness of e-security issues throughout National E-security Awareness Week.

'A range of organisations are partnering with National E-security Awareness Week by holding public information sessions and events and providing information to customers, members and staff,' Senator Conroy said.

For more practical tips and advice, information on the National E-security Awareness Week events and partners visit: www.staysmartonline.gov.au

National E-security Awareness Week Steering Group
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Attorney General's Department, Australian High Tech Crime Centre (Australian Federal Police), eBay, Australian Bankers' Association, ABACUS (Australian Credit Union Association), Internet Industry Association, McAfee, Microsoft Australia, Sophos, Symantec, Telstra, Attachmate/AITSF, AI Group, and the Australian Seniors Computer Club Association.

Selected National E-security Awareness Week Events
Tuesday 10 June
E-security seminar for Seniors
Level 1, 280 Pitt St, Sydney 10am
Organiser: Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association and Australian High Tech Crimes Centre

Tuesday 10 June
E-security for Small Business breakfast
Darwin Airport Resort, 1 Henry Wrigley Dr, Darwin, 7am
Organiser: Australian Internet Technology Security Forum

Tuesday 10 June
E-security seminar for students, parents and teachers
St. Clare of Assisi, Heidelberg St, Conder, Canberra, 7pm
Organiser: Australian Federal Police
Wednesday 11 June
E-security and social networking seminar for students, parents and teachers
Sir James Foots Bld (Rm 241), St. Lucia Campus, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 1:30pm
Organiser: AusCERT and Integrated Information Systems

Thursday 12 June
E-security seminar for Seniors
The Coral Sea Room, Ipswich RSL Club, North Ipswich, 9:30am
Organiser: Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association