TrustDefender supports National Cyber Security Week 2010 and encourages Australians to take responsibility for online security

Written by Andreas Baumhof Friday, 04 June 2010 01:00

Australian based company TrustDefender, is supporting the Federal Government’s National Cyber Security Awareness Week (6 – 11 June 2010). It seeks to raise awareness about cyber security risks and educates users on how to protect personal and financial information online. TrustDefender is a member of the Australian Internet Industry Association (IIA) and supports initiatives such as the icode internet service providers voluntary code of practice.

Ted Egan, Founder and CEO of TrustDefender comments, “Cyber Security Awareness Week is a great opportunity for individuals to take steps to act against cyber crime. With 96% of Australians making an online banking transaction and 77% having made an online purchase* it is essential individuals are educated about how to conduct safe and secure online transactions. The internet can be a safe environment if consumers actually know the security health of the computer or mobile device they are using to communicate online. We feel ecommerce providers are largely responsible for providing limited education to consumers to make them aware of the potential dangers that exist.”

“While 84% of Australians are concerned about their personal information being accessed online or stolen when banking online*, it is a misapprehension that personal security is compromised online. The problem occurs when consumers do not take some responsibility for online security to protect themselves from identity theft, fraud, Trojans and viruses,” says Ted Egan.

TrustDefender advises taking a few simple and basic steps to secure yourself online for transacting personal and private information at home, work or on your mobile.

• Always check the security health of your computer or the computer you are about to use when banking, logging into your Facebook account, or when making online purchases. To do this:
  • Go to the TrustDefender website (www.trustdefender.com) and download TrustDefender.
  • TrustDefender simply installs on your computer and the TD icon appears in the right bottom icon tray.
  • Right click on the TD icon, then click on “Inspect My Computer”. The process takes seconds and you will be told the security health status of your computer e.g. Windows Update status, Antivirus engine status, Firewall status, software authentication, and Kernel driver state.
• When you have TrustDefender and are banking online, always look for the browser-independent seal to appear when you click on the login button of your bank. This will ensure you are at the correct website. TrustDefender will know the site in detail and will protect you specifically for this site (not just general protection). No one else can see, copy or misuse your login details or the information you transact with your bank.
• If you are not sure it is safe to login then the best option is to not use the computer at all.
• Be aware your privacy is not always private when you go online.
• Verify that your Anti-virus and Firewall is installed – install a paid reputable Anti-Virus solution.
• Get a strong password and change it at least once a quarter.
• Stop and think before you click on links or attachments.

These top 6 tips will make a cyber criminal's job harder and help spare people the stress of becoming a victim of criminal or fraudulent activity.

To download the full icode of practice from the Internet Industry Association (IIA) click on the following link; www.security.iia.net.au/icode

TrustDefender Gold can be downloaded from www.trustdefender.com and it will compliment your existing security solution (anti-virus or firewall) whenever you bank or shop online as TrustDefender knows the details of more than 150 financial institutions worldwide. We will alert you if your computer has a potential threat (e.g. antivirus not up to date), especially when you log into a bank. Alternatively call us on 1800 674 935 to find out how to you can secure your computer against criminal activity.

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