Cyber security

In the 2007–08 Budget, the Australian Government allocated $8.9 million over four years to implement a range of initiatives designed to enhance the protection of home users and small business from electronic attacks and fraud.

National Cyber Security Awareness Week

National Cyber Security Awareness Week (formerly National E-security Awareness Week) is an annual initiative held in partnership with industry, community and consumer groups and state and territory governments. The Week aims to help Australians understand cyber security risks and educate home and small business users on the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online.

During the 2010 National Cyber Security Awareness Week around 150 government agencies, industry, community and consumer organisations partnered to deliver events and activities in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

The Government's cyber security website

The Government’s cyber security website, Stay Smart Online, provides information for Australian internet users on cyber security issues and the simple measures they can take to help protect themselves, their family and their computers, phones and other devices.

The website offers information on a range of topics—including securing your computer, tips on how to safely bank and shop online and information for small businesses. There are also links to resources for parents and teachers to help them protect their children online.

Stay Smart Online alert service

The Stay Smart Online alert service is a free service available from the Stay Smart Online website. It provides easy to understand information about the latest cyber security threats and vulnerabilities and possible solutions to address them. Users can receive alerts via email, online or by RSS feed.

Budd:e cyber security education modules

The budd:e education package was launched in June 2009 and is a key component of the Australian Government’s commitment to raising the cyber security awareness among school aged children.

Budd:e comprises modules for both primary and secondary school students. These modules are interactive and self learning and are designed to help students adopt secure online practices and behaviours in a fun way. Cyber security topics covered in the modules include malicious software, securing personal information online and social networking.

Budd:e recently won an Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA) award for best interactive media and digital content designed for children. Further information about the award is available at www.aimia.com.au

Budd:e is available free to all Australian schools through the Government’s Stay Smart Online website or via a CD ROM that can be ordered online. It is also available on Scootle (www.scootle.edu.au), the Learning Federation’s educational resources portal.

Internet service provider Voluntary Code of Practice

The Department worked with the Internet Industry Association to develop an internet service provider (ISP) voluntary Cyber Security Code of Practice. The code provides a consistent approach for Australian ISPs to help inform, educate and protect their clients in relation to cyber security issues.

The ISP voluntary Code of Practice is expected to be implemented by December 2010.

Australian Internet Security Initiative

The Australian Internet Security Initiative identifies compromised computers and supports internet service providers to help their customers restore their computer security. This initiative is delivered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (see www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_310317).