ACSC launches internet safety guide

The cyber agency has published new guidance to assist parents with the cyber security education of children.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has launched a “kid’s guide to using the internet securely”, which offers advice aimed at improvising online security.

The guide includes simple, practical steps for families, including recommendations to use a passphrase or PIN to lock a device, and recommendations to download software and apps from official app stores only.

This aims to counter the growing threat posed by cyber criminals, which includes the targeting of children for exploitation as well as financial and identify theft.

Over the last financial year, almost 90 per cent of cyber crime reports to the ACSC involved individuals and families, with over 1,100 reports made by or on behalf of children under the age of 18.

Schools have also been targeted by malicious actors, with one report last year involving a ransomware attack.

“Aussie kids are spending more time online – using internet-connected devices for school, social media and gaming, so it’s vital the whole family knows how to be secure online,” Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said.

“There’s a lot of internet-connected devices in Aussie homes that may not be secure, so taking a few minutes to check security settings may save you a lot of time, stress and money should someone malicious seek to attack or compromise them.

“It’s never too early to start learning cyber secure behaviours like not sharing your personal information online and not clicking on links from unknown sources."