Telstra promotes Safer Internet Day
- — 10 February, 2010 09:30
Telstra has urged Australian Internet users to be wary about the information they post online as part of Safer Internet Day.
Designed to build awareness of safety and privacy risks online, Telstra has partnered with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for the initiative, which encourages people to share information responsibly.
The theme of this year's Safer Internet Day is "Think B4 U post," which Telstra says is aimed at children who sometimes lack the judgment to avoid online risks.
"More and more people, particularly children and teenagers, do not realise that once they post something online, it can be widely accessed," said Darren Kane, Telstra’s Officer of Internet Trust and Safety. "It can also be there forever and something posted by a teenager can be seen by a potential employer a few years later."
Kane said it's important for parents to educate and supervise their children while using the Internet. "It's also important adults teach children basic online guidelines, which are suitable for people of all ages," he said.
Telstra has recommended a number of guidelines for steering clear of online risks. These include thinking before you post, keeping your personal information private, keeping your computer locked, changing your password regularly, being wary when clicking on links and attachments and respecting other people's privacy.
The warnings are timely, with Valentine's Day, February 14, a major target of hackers. Computer viruses and worms are often disguised in the form of Valentine e-cards.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scam Watch is warning of phishing e-mails purportedly sent from the Australian Taxation Office. One email that appears to be from "refund@ato.gov.au" has the subject line "Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Refund".
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