Your role in securing information
Technology and computers cannot safeguard information automatically. You need to protect your own information related to using this and other services.
The Commonwealth accepts no liability for any interference with or damage to a user's computer system, software or data occurring in connection with or relating to this website or its use. Users are encouraged to take appropriate and adequate precautions to ensure that whatever is selected from this site is free of viruses or other contamination that may interfere with or damage the user's computer system, software or data.
Protecting your computer
You should:
- Install and activate security software on your computer. Ensure your security software includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, a firewall and an anti-spam filter.
- Run regular scans of your computer for viruses
- Remember to update your security software to ensure you are always running the current version
- Recognise and report phishing emails
- Keep your devices and software up to date by patching your operating systems and applications.
Other steps you should take to help protect your computer include:
- Do not open email attachments if you do not know the sender
- Only download files from reputable Internet sites
- Be wary when exchanging files with colleagues or friends
- Never click on hyperlinks in emails received from unknown sources.
Protecting your password
Some AFSA websites and applications may require you to use a password. You should:
- Never share your password with anyone - including AFSA staff
- Secure your accounts by using myGov Digital Identity or enabling Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
- Change your password immediately if you suspect your account may have been compromised
- Never send your password via email
- Make your password as strong as possible.
Reporting any suspicious or unauthorised activity.
Reporting a security incident allow us to document, respond and learn from the activity. If you believe your AFSA account has been compromised or to report an AFSA related Scam contact info@afsa.gov.au
Staying Informed
By educating yourself about cybersecurity best practices, you can help prevent cyber-attacks from occurring. The following links provide important information about protecting your online activity.
Our security responsibilities
We will ensure that:
- the data you give us will be safeguarded appropriately.
- we use encryption to protect your Online Services login
- your data will be stored at a secure facility
- Regular backups of data are performed to ensure it can be recovered in case of a disaster
- all access to the system is logged. If any unauthorised behaviour should occur, this will assist us in identifying and resolving the issue.
AFSA ICT security practices and procedures are governed by whole-of-government standards and guidelines including the:
Read about Access Security and Data Security in the Terms and Conditions of use for the Online Services.