Online Safety

The Internet is a great source of information and entertainment, however there are steps you should take to protect yourself and children whilst online to ensure that your experience on the Internet is a good one.

Top Tips

Intall Anti-virus Software
Every computer should have up to date anti-virus software. Anti-virus software ensures that your computer is protected from infection from programs that are designed to take control of your computer. There are many anti-virus programs on the market. One of our favorites is AVG. This is a free anti-virus protection that is simple to use for home users. You can download AVG free from here

Install and configure a firewall
Installing and enabling a firewall helps to prevent unauthorised access to your computer. For more information on firewall, please vist the Microsoft website here.

Ensure you keep software updated
From time to time, software companies release security updates and fixes. It is important that you update software to ensure you have the latest versions and fixes so that your system is secure.

Think before opening email attachments
Don’t open suspicious emails or attachments from unknown sources. Don’t click on links in emails requesting your personal details. If the email looks suspicous, do not respond, simply delete the email.

Ensure you have strong passwords
Make sure any passwords you use online are strong and are a combination of letters and numbers

Check your sent items file or outgoing email
If you find unknown messages in your out box, it is a sign that your computer may be infected with spyware.

Stop and think before you share any personal or financial information
Before sharing any finacial or personal information, always check that the person or company requesting the information is valid and secure.

Configure your wireless network securely
If you are using a wireless router/modem, enable the security features with a strong password. Use WPA or WPA2 encryption on your Wi-Fi equipment (WEP is an older standard and is less secure). Refer to your router/modem manual. All wireless installs completed by Dreamtilt are secure.

For further information you can visit the Australian Government's website www.staysmartonline.gov.au.

IIA Security Portal

The Internet Industry Association's Security Portal is an initiative specifically developed to address the issue of Internet security. In particular, it has been designed for small to medium sized enterprises and other users without ready access to information about online security. They aim to build community confidence in using the Internet for e-commerce by promoting in all users a 'culture of security'. You can find out more information by vising the website - www.security.iia.net.au

Protecting Your Kids Online

It is important to know what your children are doing online. Make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to report anything suspicious. Supervising your children's Internet use is probably the most effective way of protecting them. Even the best filtering software cannot be effective in filtering inappropriate content 100% of the time. For further information about online safety go to the Australian Government’s Cybersafety website - www.cybersmart.gov.au - or the Australian Governments NetAlert Family website - www.netalert.gov.au/filters.html.

You can also find out more information and obtain a content filter program from our IIA Family Friendly ISP Program here.

Complaints about Content

All Internet users have the right to complain about sites they find offensive. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) provides details of the complaint process and procedure. The IIA encourages Internet users to report sites containing prohibited content to the IIA. Each of the approved filtering packages restricts access to Internet sites that contain content classified as ‘prohibited' by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Reports of offending sites can be made to ACMA by using their online form.

ACMA Australian Security Initiative

Dreamtilt is also part of the ACMA Australian Internet Security Initiative.

SPAM Information

For further information regarding SPAM, please visit our section on SPAM Information here.