New Zealand’s First Online Security Day

Internet Safety Group (ISG)
Media Release
28 November 2005

New Zealand’s First Online Security Day

The Internet Safety Group (ISG) today announced 30 November as New Zealand Online Security Day to coincide with the international Computer Security Day.

The ISG proposes that this day (30 November), be celebrated every year to help keep New Zealanders informed about the latest online security threats and the best strategies for minimising those risks.

This year, New Zealand Online Security Day falls in the second month of the Internet Safety Group’s Net Basics campaign to educate New Zealanders about online security and how to protect their computers from information theft.

The ‘Net Basics’ campaign emphasises 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 importance of spyware detection and strong passwords.

The campaign, supported by the Government’s Digital Strategy, encourages people to visit the NetSafe website for information about online security (www.netsafe.org.nz) and was sponsored by Westpac, 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).

Liz Butterfield, Executive Director for the Internet Safety Group says, “It is important to have one day each year when we can focus on the issue of online security. With the growing popularity of online activities, and the growing sophistication of attacks, we must all get a minimum of security in place. No one can be complacent any longer.”

ENDS

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