Council takes cyber security seriously and so should you
Gladstone Regional Council takes cyber security very seriously and is committed to securely protecting data and educating the community on how they can be cyber secure as well.
Cyber security is the protection of computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks and data from malicious attacks.
Gladstone Region Councillor Darryl Branthwaite said there are many different types of cyber security threats including spyware, malware, phishing, spear phishing, pharming and more.
“Spear phishing accounts for over 90 per cent of successful email attacks,” Councillor Branthwaite said.
“Most people in the Gladstone Region would hear the term ‘spear phishing’ and think it relates to a day out on our beautiful waterways, but there’s something fishier at play in this instance.
“Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing where fraudulent emails have been directed at specific individuals where a relationship between these individuals is known.
“It’s also important for people to realise that cyber attacks aren’t just unique to computers or laptops, they can also infiltrate mobile devices with security apps available to help prevent attacks on smart phones.”
Cr Branthwaite said Council is currently running an education and awareness campaign on cyber security and that residents can collect a free cyber security mousepad and information resources from Council’s Libraries and Customer Service locations.
“With technology becoming increasing prevalent in our lives, cyber security becomes even more important as it protects or lowers your risk of an attack, damage or unauthorised access to information,” Cr Branthwaite said.
“While many of our residents are tech savvy, it’s important to educate those who may not have grown up with technology such as computers and the internet.
“Cyber security isn’t just an issue for individuals, as everyone is at risk including small and large businesses.
“Council’s website has plenty of tips and advice on how you can be cyber secure and there is also a Cyber Security Quiz for people to test their knowledge.”
Cr Branthwaite said Gladstone Regional Council takes its own cyber security very seriously and is committed to securely protecting data, while strictly adhering to the Queensland Government’s Information Privacy Act 2009.
“When gathering personal information Council only uses it for the intended purpose and will not store or use the information for any other purpose,” he said.
“Items that may require Council to seek personal information includes rates and other billing services, such as pet registration.
“Council has developed our own privacy statements that detail how Council handles personal information and the types of personal information it holds in relation to its website.”
Please visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/web/guest/privacy for more information about Council’s Privacy Statement.
Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/cyber-security for handy information regarding cyber security and to increase your cyber security savviness via the Cyber Security Quiz.
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