Experts tackle emerging e-security threats

Photo of Senator Stephen Conroy

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Experts tackle emerging e-security threats

Experts from government, industry and community organisations today met in Sydney to discuss emerging e-security challenges and how to prepare for the future.

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy and the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland MP, said discussions at the Over the Horizon forum will inform the Government's future e-security policy deliberations.

“The online environment is highly interconnected and e-security threats to different parts of the Australian economy can no longer be addressed in isolation. Protecting home and small business internet users is an important element in protecting Australia 's critical infrastructure,” Mr McClelland said.

“We are committed to working with industry, academia and the community to ensure that trust and confidence in the online environment is maintained so that Australians take full advantage of the benefits offered by the digital economy,” Senator Conroy said.

The Over the Horizon forum officially concluded National E-security Awareness Week which was launched by Senator Conroy on 6 June 2008 to highlight simple steps Australians should take to stay smart online .

Industry, community organisations, academia and government agencies organised and took part in e-security awareness events around the country. These focussed on three key messages: Secure Your Computer, Secure Social Networking and Secure Your Wireless Connection.

“The Government is committed to empowering Australians with information to improve their security online. I would like to thank all the organisations involved in this week-long initiative,” Senator Conroy said.

More practical advice and information about e-security is available at: www.staysmartonline.gov.au

Date: 13 June 2008
Contact:

Conroy's office Tim Marshall 0408 258 457

McClelland's office Adam Sims 0419 480 224