Connect Smart gets behind Safer Internet Day

Connect Smart gets behind Safer Internet Day

Connect Smart is pleased to support Safer Internet Day, promoting safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially among children and young people across the world.

Paul Ash, Director of the National Cyber Policy Office, says, “On behalf of the Connect Smart partnership we’re pleased to see Netsafe promoting Safer Internet Day in New Zealand and encouraging respectful, responsible and safe internet behaviour by today’s Kiwi kids.

“There’s a lot at stake when it comes to online risks and opportunities. The phones we use now are powerful pocket-sized computers, connected to many different parts of our lives, from banking, to email, social networks and more. Increasingly, our kids have this power at their fingertips.

“Knowing how to be safe online is a key component of helping ensure New Zealand has good cyber security,” says Mr Ash.

“If we can support young technology users to be aware of both the opportunities and risks of being online, they will create possibilities for our country we haven’t even dreamed of yet.”

Netsafe, which is a Connect Smart partner, offers resources for children, parents and teachers on how to be safe online, at www.netsafe.org.nz

Connect Smart also offers ways for people to protect themselves online through simple, usable security advice for individuals, schools and small businesses at www.connectsmart.govt.nz.

Being aware of how to stay safe online is particularly relevant as smartphones and tablets become more powerful and more prevalent in New Zealand society. The more connected we become, the higher the risk. A recent survey for Connect Smart found 83% of Kiwis have experienced a cyber-breach, and 48% of Kiwis don’t have passwords on their work phones.

This indicates that we are all at risk and we can all be taking more steps to help keep ourselves, our friends and family safe.

Mr Ash says, “There’s no time like the present to ‘connect smart’ online. On Safer Internet Day use the resources offered by Netsafe and Connect Smart to make sure you’re digitally protected.”

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