Media contact: Craig Middleton: 0400 931 772
Reference: 328/2009
*The Australian Institute of Criminology Consumer fraud in Australia: costs, rates and awareness of the risks in 2008 Trends &
issues in crime and criminal justice no. 382. http://www.aic.gov.au/publications
^ Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian Social Trends, 26 November 2008
Cyber Safety tips for silver surfers
25 October 2009 - Telstra is reminding older Australians and first time internet users of what they need to
look out for and how to protect themselves while ‘surfing’ the net, in the wake of findings that around 90
per cent of Australians* have been targeted by internet scams.
Telstra Executive Director, Consumer, Jenny Young said, the internet, coupled with high speed broadband
access, changed the way we live and socialise.
“People can now do so much at the click of the button – stay in touch with loved ones, shop and bank on-
line and a lot of what we now do online involves sharing details of our identity and credit cards.”
“We know older people are discovering new ways to keeping in touch with loved ones and enjoy their
hobbies and interests using technology. In fact, the fastest growing group of internet users is people aged
between 65 and 74^.
“For those new to the wide world of the internet, they might not be aware of the risks lurking behind some
web content, spam, phishing emails and pop up ads or how to safely use sites to order goods online,”
said Ms Young.
For ‘silver surfers’ looking for more information, Telstra has created the $3 million Connected Seniors®
program, tailored to help older Australians learn about how to use the internet and stay safe online. For
How to protect yourself online:
Change passwords at least twice a year
Install security software and update it regularly
Think before you click on links or attachments from unknown sources
Never send your credit card, account details or other personal details via email. Don’t email
anything you would not write on a post card.
Be careful about what information you give away about yourself and others online
Do not provide your username or password via email if requested, most institutions
don’t
request this type of secure information on email
Always type the address of a website you are wanting to visit
Ensure your computer is locked with a password when you are not using it
Glossary of terms to assist:
Virus - A computer program that stops your computer running properly
Anti-virus software - A computer program that finds and deletes viruses on your computer,
and stops them from damaging your computer
Firewall
-
An electronic ‘fence’ around your computer that stops unauthorised information
entering or leaving
Hacker -
Someone who tries to break into your computer and access your personal
information
Adware - Software that illegally displays advertisements on your computer
Spyware - Software that illegally tracks your internet usage to collect information about the
websites that you visit
Phishing
-
A fraudulent email that appears to be from a bank or official institution and
attempts to get you to divulge your personal information
NEWS 
