The Noosa Library Service is currently working towards achieving eSmart status as part of the eSmart libraries program.

To assist you to stay safe, here are some tips and tricks for going online.

The following resources will assist you to stay safe online.

	Enhancing online safety for children The Office of the Children’s e-Safety Commissioner leads online safety education for the Australian Government and protects Australian children when they experience cyberbullying by administering a complaints scheme. The Office also deals with complaints about prohibited online content.
	Stay Smart Online  The Australian Government's online safety and security website, designed to help everyone understand the risks and the simple steps we can take to protect our personal and financial information online.
	Thinkuknow An Internet safety program delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through schools and organisations across Australia using a network of accredited trainers from their partner agencies.
	GoDigi Infoxchange and Australia Post have joined together to create Go Digi. ​Go Digi is a national four year digital literacy program with the goal of supporting more than 300,000 Australians to improve their digital skills.​
	Telstra cybersafety website Digital safety tips and tricks to protect your privacy and secure your devices.
	Scamwatch Run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). It provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
	Cyber Safe Kids Founded in 2006, a global organization that assists government, industry, media, educators, schools and parent communities to understand the challenges of living and working in the digital world.
	headspace The National Youth Mental Health Foundation provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.The service is designed to make it easy as possible for a young person and their family to get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.

 

Cyber Safety for Seniors

PROTECTING PERSONAL INFORMATION                      (go back to the top)

Passwords

• Use a STRONG password
• Use a different password for every account
• Change your passwords regularly

Scams, phishing and hoaxes

• Be suspicious
• Don’t click on links within an email.  Visit the sites website yourself to check it out or google the site to make sure it is safe.

Privacy tips

• Don’t reveal too much information about yourself
• If using social media, use the privacy settings and restrict who can see your posts
• Before filling in forms online, check the websites terms and conditions to see if it is secure

KEEPING YOUR GEAR SAFE

Use antivirus software

Regularly update your operating system and apps

Set passcode protection for your device

Pay attention to website addresses,  avoid suspicious websites

Back up regularly

Wipe clean old devices before discarding

SCAMS AND HOAXES

Be suspicious

Do some research,  do a google search if you are not sure about a message or person

Protect your personal information

Learn to identify scams and phishing

Unsolicited contact should raise your suspicions

Phishing scams (fake electronic messages) can include company logos and slogans.     Real organisations would never ask you to enter your personal details or click on a log on link from within a message.

Don’t open attachments or click links in suspicious emails or websites

Stay with trusted websites and apps

Check website addresses are written correctly, or have a  https address for important websites.

A small padlock in the address bar will indicate a safer page.     Type in a banking website address yourself, don’t click links in emails.

Popups and notifications.

Avoid clicking on popups (small ads which pop up in a separate page)

Resources

Australian Government Stay Smart Online 

Australian Government Scamwatch.                              (go back to the top)