Empowering Northern Rivers residents through ID Support NSW
From knowing the best way to secure their identity to how to identify and avoid scams, community members from the NSW Northern Rivers regions will be equipped with the best knowledge in staying safe online when the nation-leading ID Support NSW team visits on 27-31 October.
ID Support NSW will join Ballina Shire Council for its inaugural tech week to discuss any concerns people might have with protecting their identity, how to identify potential scams online and over the phone, and provide guidance to people on their personal circumstances.
The team will also be on hand to speak to small businesses in how they can best protect their customer’s data.
The team’s visit coincides with Cyber Security Awareness Month and helps to address the challenges faced by vulnerable and disadvantaged communities when interacting online, a key commitment under the NSW Government’s Digital Inclusion Strategy.
Consultation on the strategy revealed more than 80 per cent of respondents had experienced online scams, privacy breaches or harassment, with at-risk groups disproportionally affected. These sessions will ensure tailored advice and recommendations can be provided to at-risk members of the community.
More than 25,000 scams have been reported in NSW so far this year worth more than $48 million in losses, with scammers mostly using emails, phone calls and text messages, according to ScamWatch.
In the year to date, ID Support NSW has attended more than 140 community events, providing expert privacy and security advice to over 90,000 people.
Engagement with the Northern Rivers community follows other recent visits by ID Support NSW to regional areas including the Henty Machinery and Australian National Field Days in Borenore to offer support and guidance to people.
Information about the upcoming visit to the Northern Rivers region and other ID Support NSW events, as well how to book a local ID Support NSW assistance event, is available on the ID Support NSW events page.
Further information on how to protect personal information online, as well as other cybersecurity tips, is available on the ID Support NSW hub.
The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy is also available online.
Quotes attributable to Jacki Muir, Director ID Support NSW:
“We are very excited to provide guidance and help people in the NSW Northern Rivers region understand how best to avoid scams and secure their identity.”
“We encourage everyone, no matter what your circumstances, to come and talk to us. Remember, there are no silly questions! We’re here to help you.”
“Sessions with ID Support NSW are free of charge. We want to help you feel more confident when interacting with others online and over the phone.”