AFP promotes cyber safety to NRL players

David Heath
Monday, 07 June 2010 23:14

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Week, the NRL and Australian Federal Police have joined forces to protect the online welfare of players.

According to a spokesperson, "The initiative is an extension of the AFP's existing partnership with the NRL Education and Welfare program. The seminars focus on giving players advice about privacy on social networking sites and protecting themselves against loss of personal and financial information."

Never mind the obvious slurs (true or not) about the acumen of the average Rugby League player, it is very obvious that such players are targets for all kinds of people wanting to take advantage of them through whatever means possible.

As far too many people have learned to their cost, a mere slip of personal information on any social networking site can become exceedingly costly when picked up by those intent on doing harm.

And amongst League players, harm-doers can come from a variety of directions, hence the active role from the authorities in assisting the players in understanding the threats and how to control the information they release.

National Cyber Security Awareness Week is an "annual initiative held in partnership with industry, community and consumer groups and state and territory governments.  The Week aims to help Australians understand cyber security risks and educate home and small business users on the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online."

In support of the initiative, AVG's local Marketing Manager Lloyd Borrett said, "Ignorance of the risks and nature of cyber crime is what poses the greatest threat to Internet users. 80% of cyber crime attacks are easily preventable, if you know what to do."

Further information may be found at the Federal Government's Stay Smart Online website.  Interested people should download the Government's booklet "Protect Yourself Online - What Everyone Needs to Know."