The Australian Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis today welcomed National Cyber Security Awareness Week as an opportunity to partner with the Australian Government in promoting smart online practices.

"The number of ways that people can connect, shop and do business online is increasing all the time. However, with this convenience also comes risk, and so people need to make sure that their online security is protected," Ms Curtis said.

"The internet, mobile phones, digital cameras, e-commerce and social networking websites all challenge our capacity to safeguard our personal information.

"This is why National Cyber Security Awareness Week is such an important initiative. The Week reminds us all of the simple things we can do to protect our online security and our online privacy," she said.

National Cyber Security Awareness Week (6-11 June 2010) is an Australian Government initiative, implemented in partnership with state and territory governments, and a broad range of industry, community and consumer groups.

This year, the Week will promote six simple things you can do to improve your online security:

1. Install security software and update it regularly.
2. Turn on automatic updates so that all your software receives the latest fixes.
3. Get a stronger password and change it at least twice a year.
4. Stop and think before you click on links or attachments.
5. Stop and think before you share any personal or financial information-about yourself, your friends or family.
6. Know what your children are doing online. Make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to report anything suspicious.

For more practical advice about the simple things you can do to improve your online security, go to www.staysmartonline.gov.au.