Digital safety online – New Connect Smart Toolkit for SMEs

Digital safety online – New Connect Smart Toolkit for SMEs

Media advisory

18 June 2014

This is Connect Smart week – promoting cyber-safety awareness, and supported by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

“New Zealanders are concerned about identity theft and the security of their personal information,” said Privacy Commissioner John Edwards. “We know this because they tell us in privacy opinion surveys. The Connect Smart message for people and businesses to improve their digital security and to protect their personal information is one that my Office is keen to support.

“That’s where we come in, because personal information is also our business. We’re keen to support Connect Smart and to promote cyber-safety messages,” Mr Edwards said.

“Connect Smart’s toolkit for SMEs, being launched today, will bring real benefits,” said Mr Edwards. “The internet is home to networked convenience and fast information but it is also where identity theft, fraud and other criminal activities happen. Businesses need to take steps to protect their security and information assets.”

See the toolkit at:http://www.connectsmart.govt.nz/businesses/protecting-your-business-online/

“My office has also released a Data Safety Toolkit for business – particularly focusing on data breach. We know that data breaches are bad for business reputations and in some cases cause harm to the people whose personal information has been disclosed. The toolkit helps organisations to work through the best strategies for dealing with data breaches and also has plenty of tips on how to prevent them in the first place. See:http://privacy.org.nz/how-to-comply/data-safety-toolkit-preventing-and-dealing-with-data-breaches/

Educating children and young people about online behaviour is one central aspect of any cyber-safety message. That was the thinking behind the ‘OWLS’ teaching resource, to help teach primary and intermediate aged children the importance of being careful online. The result is a model for teaching cyber-safety and we want to get all schools involved.” For a closer look at the 24 OWLS modules, see:http://www.netsafe.org.nz/owls/

To find our more about Connect Smart see: http:// www.connectsmart.govt.nz and take the online ‘digital clans’ quiz to see where you fit on a spectrum of confidence in engaging online. It includes tips tailored for each profile. “I recommend that everyone take it, and pass it on to their parents, grandparents, and kids to do,” said Mr Edwards.

ENDS

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