Friday 7 September 2007

Helping Australian families avoid online scams

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan said one of the key messages during the launch of the NetAlert—Protecting Australian Families Online education and information campaign was how families could protect their children from online scams.

Discussing the problem at the Brisbane Seniors Online Office and Training Centre, Senator Coonan said keeping the family computer secure was an important issue for everyone.

“If you don’t protect your computer properly, you are putting yourself and possibly your family at risk.

“Spyware can be downloaded onto the family computer along with free software, and children can be tricked into opening viruses, or passing confidential information to untrustworthy sites,” Senator Coonan said.

“Children need to be educated about identity theft just as they do about any other internet safety issues.

“In the NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online booklet that is being mailed to all Australian households, there are a number of practical tips for each age group.

“Take some time to protect your computer from harmful emails and viruses and from unauthorised people getting access to your internet connection and your information by doing things such as updating anti-spyware software and considering installing a firewall.”

Parents, grandparents and carers can visit www.australia.gov.au/netalert or call the help line on 1800 880 176 to learn about the safety settings on their computer, and how to update anti-spyware software to help protect their children from online scams.

“The Howard Government has a serious commitment to protecting our children online that is why we have delivered a comprehensive programme using the broadest possible line of attack in the protection of Australian families online.

“NetAlert – Protecting Australian Families Online is a $189 million initiative combining services and education, regulation and policing to ensure that Australian families can get the best of the internet, whilst minimising potential harm,” Senator Coonan said.

Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141