National Cyber Security Week 2012

There are so many things to do and explore online, but just like in the offline world, it’s important to keep yourself safe and secure. Whether you’re a new Internet user or an old hand, it’s good to stay updated on best practices when it comes to browsing the web and sharing your data online. And what better time to take stock than National Cyber Security Awareness Week.

Google is a partner in this week and to mark the event, we'd like to share some of our tips for staying more secure on the web.

Passwords are the first line of defence against cyber criminals. It’s important to pick strong passwords that are different for each of your important accounts and to change them regularly. For example, try making your password as long as possible, and use a mix of numbers, letters and symbols. Here are some more ideas to help create strong passwords.  

So you’ve set a strong password - the front door is locked.  But imagine how much safer you’d feel if the door was guarded too? If you have a Google Account, you can guard it by switching on 2-step verification. This ensures you’ll have not one, but two security measures to help prevent someone from breaking in.

2-step verification requires you to have access to your phone, as well as your username and password, when you sign in. This means that if someone steals or guesses your password, the potential hijacker still can’t sign into your account because they don’t have your phone.




Also, as part Google’s involvement in Cyber Security Awareness Week, we’ve also worked with the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy to include Google+ safety tips on their Easy Guide to Socialising Online.

For more information generally, visit our Good To Know website - it’s got heaps of tips and tricks for staying safe and secure on the web.  You might also like to download the cybersafety help button, which is an Australian Government initiative that provides an online resource hub.

Wishing you a safe and secure journey in your online explorations.

Posted by Ishtar Vij, Public Policy and Government Affairs, Google Australia and New Zealand