In a decisive move to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, the Australian Government has launched the latest phase of its cyber security awareness campaign, Act Now. Stay Secure., urging all Australians to take simple yet powerful steps to protect themselves online.
With cybercrime incidents occurring every six minutes, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the campaign is both urgent and timely. Over 87,400 cybercrime reports were recorded in the past financial year alone — a stark reminder of the digital dangers facing individuals, families, and businesses across the country.
Three Key Steps to Online Safety
The national campaign encourages Australians to adopt three straightforward cyber safety practices:
Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Use unique and strong passphrases for all accounts.
Install software updates promptly to secure devices.
Minister for Cyber Security, The Hon Tony Burke MP, emphasized the importance of public awareness:
“Our government is working every day to strengthen our cyber defences, but there are simple, effective steps that every Australian can take to keep themselves and their families safe online.”
Empowering All Communities
The campaign will be rolled out across a wide range of platforms including digital video, television, cinema, social media, digital audio, and print. Special attention has been given to inclusivity, with resources translated into approximately 20 languages and tailored information for First Nations peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Every Australian Has a Role to Play
National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC, stressed that cyber security is a shared responsibility:
“Cyber security affects the lives of every Australian, and we all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and our loved ones online.”
“By turning simple actions into daily habits, we can make cyber safety second nature and ensure that Australia remains one of the most secure nations to connect and thrive online.”
