With the introduction of an online Census this year, a national dialogue emerged surrounding issues of privacy, security and unwanted surveillance. An article by Anna Johnston published in The Sydney Morning Herald went viral before the Census, outlining concerns for individual data-linking and its consequent risk of malicious misuse.

So come Census night, most expectations of a total disaster were exceeded for two reasons:

First, the server crashed leaving millions of Aussies unable to complete or even access the forms.

If that wasn’t bad enough, it was later revealed the website was shut down as a security measure due to international hackers ‘attacking’ the system.

We apologise for the inconvenience. The 2016 online Census form was subject to four Denial of Service attacks of varying nature & severity.

— Census Australia (@ABSCensus) August 9, 2016

Ironically enough, almost every apprehensive notion regarding this year’s Census came to life, and left Australia stumped – wondering what may happen to our precious privacy. 

While it may seem like your data is stolen, the ABS is working very hard to ensure your data is not hacked, and some of you may find comfort in the fact that no data or information has been extracted – despite some deceptive headlines and news stories.

You may also find some comfort in knowing Australia is not in this alone in the world of online security scandals. In the UK, cybercrime has officially overtaken traditional crime, despite cybercrime being vastly under-reported by its victims!

The easy, functional nature of the internet also comes along with poor monitoring and an elusive judicial system, due to the international platform it is operating on. This presents a huge dilemma  to online business, however luckily there are some steps you can take to ensure your risk of being targeted and data mined are reduced:

Best Practices For Online Safety:

• Constantly update passwords and login details at least once or twice a month

• A secure computer will deter cyber criminals. Be sure to update your firewall settings and install anti-virus and anti-spyware software

• Be social media savvy. Check your security settings, and be careful what information you post online.

• Secure mobile devices. Never store passwords, pin numbers and even your own address on any mobile device.

• Protect your Data. Use encryption for your most sensitive files such as tax returns or financial records

• Be aware of what you do while using public Wi-Fi Hotspots and avoid conducting financial or corporate transactions on these networks.

• Protect your e-identity and make sure that websites are secure or that you’ve enabled privacy settings.

• Avoid being scammed. Always think before you click on a link or file of unknown origin. Never reply to emails that ask you to verify your information or confirm your user ID or password.

If you’d like to see an implementation of official policies and procedures in your workplace to reduce your risk of cybercrime, then our WHS consultancy may help!

We offer advice for best online behaviours to combat cybercrime and reputation management.

Call us for a chat today on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email us at admin@rrp.com.au