Cyber Security News Queensland

New cyber-security outreach clinic set up in Southeast Queensland

Eliza Sayon Nov 16, 2021

2 min read

Queenslanders in the Glasshouse Mountains area will be benefitting from the Australian Government’s $1.67 billion investment in cyber security thanks to a new cyber-security outreach clinic.

The outreach clinic will help increase the digital resilience of those within rural and regional areas, supporting them in protecting their data and online identities from theft.

The event would be hosted by online identity and cyber support service provider IDCARE. The organisation is partly funded by the Australian Government through its Cyber Security Strategy.

“The Morrison Government is proud to partner with IDCARE through our $1.67 billion Cyber Security Strategy, with the Commonwealth providing more than $6 million to IDCARE for cybercrime and victim support services,” Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said.

“Support for victims of cybercrime is vital, but I also encourage all Australians to increase their awareness of cyber-security threats, and take action to secure themselves and their online data.”

Minister Andrews also encouraged Australians to turn on automatic updates, replace passwords with a passphrase, and log on with multi-factor security settings.

“Scams and cybercrime can affect any one of us anywhere – as unfortunately, too many people who live in rural and regional areas know too well,” she said.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that this project will see to the Sunshine Coast experience and know-how making a difference for ordinary Australians from Cairns to Cranbrook.

“For years, IDCARE has been leading the way nationwide, helping hundreds of thousands of Australians all over the country to respond to the devastating effects of cybercrime. Now with the support of the Morrison Government, it is fantastic to see them taking that leadership on the road, reaching out to the regions and spreading the word in our most vulnerable communities,” he said

“I’m certain that having the opportunity to talk to one of IDCARE’s experts and even hand over their devices for a proper assessment is going to transform outcomes for people who need help all over the country.”

The outreach clinic follows the recent launch of a new public information campaign “Beat cybercrime in your downtime” to increase awareness of cyber-security and empower Australians to be more secure online.

Source: Minister for Home Affairs Media Release

Eliza Sayon

Website | + posts

Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.