T
he internet has transformed the way we live our lives. For many of us, it’s where we communicate. For some, it’s where we shop. For others, it’s even where we fall in love. But the more of our lives are spent in cyberspace, the more important it becomes to protect yourself online. Stay Smart Online Week has just passed in Australia, but it doesn’t mean the message is any less applicable. The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s 2015 Cyber Security Survey found half of respondent businesses had experienced at least one cyber incident in the past 12 months. And for individuals, the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network received more than 41,000 reports of cybercrime – nearly of half of which were scams. Thankfully, staying smart online doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re a business or an individual, with a few, simple steps, you can ensure your on-line experience is safe and secure. Use complex passwords featuring numerals and special characters, and making sure to use a unique password for each account. Install a spam filter on your emails and be wary of
A Letter from Canberra phishing email attempts that purport to be from a reputable sender, such as a bank, a Government agency or a local utility company. Make regular backups of your data and keep your software updated to the most recent version. The Stay Smart Online website staysmartonline.gov. au has a number of useful tools and guides on everything from privacy and passphrases to online finances and payments, backups and protection. It also offers a free alerts service that explains recent online threats and offers simple tips as to how they can be managed. The tips are just as relevant to Australians based in Hong Kong as Melbourne. We’ve all heard horror stories of cybercrime, but the internet doesn’t have to be a scary place. And with a little preparation and awareness, you can be safely messaging, shopping and dating with the best of them. Gai Brodtmann MP, Federal Member for Canberra and Co-Convenor of Parliamentary Hong Kong Friendship Group
EVENTS UPDATE NOVEMBER AT A GLANCE… Fri, 11 Nov, 8:00am - 9:30am The Latest Development of the Kai Tak Sports Park Project Victoria Suite, The Hong Kong Club, 1 Jackson Road, Central, Hong Kong Tue, 15 Nov, 12:30pm – 2:00pm An insight into Australia's boardrooms and the path to the C-suite lunch ANZ, 22/F, Three Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
Thu, 24 Nov, 6:30pm - 9:00pm The 63rd InterCham Young Professionals' Cocktail PLAY, 1/F, On Hing Building, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central, Hong Kong Wed, 30 Nov, 8:00am - 9:15am Does Your Organisation Run on Fear? AustCham Business Centre, 3/F Lucky Building, 39 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
DECEMBER AT A GLANCE…
Wed, 16 Nov, 10:00am – 3:00pm Hong Kong Australasian Emerging Company Showcase 2016 Lower Lobby, Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Wed, 7 Dec, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Christmas Mix Yum Cha, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Central, Hong Kong
Tue, 22 Nov, 12:30pm – 2:00pm Have your cake and keep it too – Tax effective planning for Hong Kong based Australian expats Suite 4606, Two Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central
Wed, 14 Dec, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Macau Christmas Mix TBC issue 185 | austcham news
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