A new partnership programme between the Government and Non-Government Organisations was launched last month to enhance public awareness to cybercrime and minimise computer-related crime.
Called, ‘Connect Smart,’ the initiative is a website that provides update information on a host of activities that would be useful to people who use the Internet for a variety of purposes including transactions involving money, entering online passwords and private information.
Assistant Police Commissioner Malcolm Burgess launched the initiative in Wellington on June 16 as a part of ‘Connect Smart Week,’ earlier known as ‘Cyber Security Awareness Week.’
Connect Smart is an ongoing partnership between Government, the private sector and the NGO sector. The Connect Smart website will be regularly updated with new information, advice and features to help New Zealanders protect themselves and their businesses online. It was organised to make New Zealanders aware of the threats that a digital security breach could pose to them and their families.
Mr Burgess said that “In the same way that people lock their cars and take care of their handbag or wallet, they should take precautions online. Electronic crime is a rapidly evolving area where individuals need to be aware of, and responsive to threats,” he said.
According to him, improving digital security is neither complicated nor expensive and a few simple steps can protect people from becoming victims of cybercrime.
“Protecting yourself also protects friends, family and work. If your personal information is compromised, it is more than an inconvenience and can have major consequences for you and everybody you know. Educate family members about basic online safety, the risk of a breach is not limited to the individual who owns the device,” Mr Burgess said.
While smartphones contain more sensitive information than computers or the wallet, they often have minimal security measures, he added.
“The expansion of the internet and telecommunications technology has offered immense opportunities for people keen to separate you from your money. Although technology has changed, scam prevention advice remains common sense,” he said.
His advice to people was simple: Do not wait until it is too late; be proactive, improve your digital security before you become a victim.
Please read, ‘Toolkit to keep SMEs out of trouble’ under Businesslink.
