Notice Board - News

Computer Security Now an Urgent Issue for all Kiwis

Internet Safety Group, National

Media release, 3 October 2005.

New education campaign launched to promote online security.

The Internet Safety Group today launched a six- month campaign to educate New Zealanders on online security and how to protect their computers from information theft.

The 'Net basics' campaign emphasizes the importance of straightforward, regular maintenance of a computer to keep personal information secure. The campaign slogan: 'WOF your computer' uses the analogy of a Warrant of Fitness for a car, encouraging regular computer maintenance, knowledge of the Internet's 'road-rules' and how to operate safely on the information superhighway.

Doing the Net basics includes regularly updating a computer's operating system as well as installing and updating anti-virus software and a firewall. Additional campaign messages cover the issue of spyware and the importance of strong passwords.

The campaign encourages people to visit the NetSafe website for information about online security (www.netsafe.org.nz).

Without adequate online security the personal information on Kiwis' computers is at risk. In a survey conducted this year by Symantec and Bread and Butter Research and Planning, 99 percent of New Zealand respondents had experienced online security issues. Of these, 96 percent claimed they had been affected by spam; 84 percent by adware; 75 percent by viruses; 51 percent by spyware and 30 percent by phishing.

The Net basics campaign is supported by Westpac and Symantec, and seven government agencies (Ministry of Justice, State Services Commission, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Education, Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Ministry of Economic Development and Department of Internal Affairs). This campaign is endorsed by the Government's Digital Strategy which supports this campaign and other measures to ensure Kiwis have a safer and more confident online experience.

Westpac has been an active sponsor of NetSafe since 2002. Stu Woollett, Westpac Head of E-Business, says it is proud to be involved in this much-needed educational campaign.

"Westpac has New Zealand's most visited business and finance website and we take online security very seriously. In fact, we have developed an Online Safety Guide which will be available later this month and will support the NetSafe campaign by providing simple, practical advice to help reduce the risks of using the Internet'', he says.

Other businesses are supporting the campaign by helping to disseminate the key messages and offering links to the NetSafe website.

Liz Butterfield, Director of the Internet Safety Group says, ''we hope that many enterprises across New Zealand will join in and help us spread the word about basic computer security. It is no longer an option, but rather a necessity for us all. NetSafe will offer people the knowledge and encouragement to tackle this issue at home. Once good systems are in place, a minimal amount of time spent on routine maintenance is all thats usually needed.''

Says Ms Butterfield, ''The coalition of agencies and businesses involved in this campaign is a testament to how important computer security is for all Kiwis. Young people can also make a very important contribution and, if their parents are not very confident with the technologies, can help the whole household get the Net basics in place''.

End release

Further information:

Download the "Do the Net Basics brochure" (450 Kb PDF file).

Computer Security — the Net Basics and more: www.netsafe.theoutfitgroup.co.nz/security/security_default.aspx.