Being safe and secure online
The internet has produced profound changes in the way all organisations, including nonprofit ones, do their work. Most of these changes are beneficial: faster response times, more efficient use of resources, and new ways of delivering services.
But along with the benefits there are risks. A serious network crash can bring the office to a standstill, or important information can be wiped or lost with dire effects on service delivery. Other risks may seem more unlikely but are just as dangerous: malicious attacks on your website or network, damage from viruses, or the misuse of personal data.
Top 10 internet security tips
- Install anti-virus software and keep it updated
- Install a firewall to stop unauthorised access to your computer
- Be cautious about opening emails from unknown or questionable sources
- Minimise spam by never responding to it and never clicking on spam links
- Back up your data
- Develop a system for secure passwords
- Keep your software up to date and you will be less vulnerable to security attack
- Make sure your online banking is secure – follow your bank’s security advice
- Develop a culture of security so that staff follow internet security practices
- Develop and maintain a security policy
For more detail on these tips see the full Australian Government publication on this Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts page
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