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Friday 21 September 2007

New online security resource for small business

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, today launched a new component of the Australian Government’s e-security website www.staysmartonline.gov.au for small businesses.

“The Australian Government is determined to ensure small businesses have the information and guidance they require to improve their online security,” Senator Coonan said.

“I acknowledge that e-Security can be daunting and difficult to understand, but simple measures can put businesses on the front foot and prevent major and potentially costly e-security breaches later on.

“Small businesses will have quick access to a range of information that can be used to protect their own critical business information, along with the confidential information of their customers.”

Senator Coonan also invited expressions of interests to participate in the 2008 National e-Security Awareness Week.

“I encourage industry and community organisations to register their interest in participating in the next National e-Security Awareness Week.”

Following a successful Awareness Week last year, additional funding has been allocated over the next four years to make National e-Security Awareness Week an annual event.

“I look forward to the Australian Government continuing to work with industry and community groups to raise the level of e-security awareness in the community,” Senator Coonan said.

The Stay Smart Online website and National e-Security Awareness Week are part of a $13.6 million package of initiatives announced by the Australian Government in the 2007-08 Budget. They are designed to enhance the protection of home users and small businesses from electronic attacks and fraud.

These initiatives are part of the Australian Government’s new e-Security National Agenda (ESNA) that was announced in July. The ESNA is intended to strengthen the electronic operating environment for business, home users and government agencies.

A copy of the E-Security National Agenda can be found live this Friday on www.dcita.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/security/e-security

Organisations can express their interest in participating in the National e-Security Awareness Week by emailing onlinesecurity@dcita.gov.au or contacting 02 6271 1284.

Media Contact: Frank Peppard 0417 061 969