As cyber scams spike, free online workshop teaches girls to stay safe online

Brisbane, Australia – August 25: With Australians forced to spend more time online due to COVID-19 restrictions, figures from the ACCC show 24,000 people reported having their personal information stolen – a 55 per cent increase from the same time last year. 

As cyber attackers ramp up their efforts, Brisbane-based The Tech Girls Movement Foundation, is hosting a free online workshop to teach girls and their parents how to best keep safe online. 

The “How safe am I online?” workshop is being held on Saturday, August 29 from 10am AEST in partnership with cloud data management company, Rubrik. 

Dr Jenine Beekhuyzen OAM, Tech Girls Movement Foundation founder, said girls faced a number of threats online and it was important to educate them and their caregivers on how to stay safe.

“From stolen identities and scams to cyber bullying and sexual harassment, it’s important girls are aware of the threats, how to spot them, and how to protect themselves,” she said. 

Some of the key strategies attendees will be taught include;

• Ensuring personal information available online is limited 
• Using enhanced privacy settings
• Practicing safe browsing  
• Choosing strong passwords
• Identifying legitimate and secure online stores 

Parents will also be guided on how to have open and honest conversations about the risks and consequences of online activity, as well as tools available to help keep their children safe.   

“All online platforms pose some risk to the privacy of personal data or identity theft,” Dr Beekhuyzen said. “It is difficult to avoid all risks if you want to continue to spend time online, so education and awareness can prepare young people to be safe online.”

When it comes to safe use of social media, she said: “Assume your grandmother will read everything you post.”

Rinki Sethi, Chief Information Security Officer at Rubrik, will be conducting the workshop and hosting a Q&A after the event. She is a veteran of the cybersecurity industry and is a huge advocate for inspiring females to take up careers in STEM.  

For more information, or to RSVP for the free workshop, please visit: https://howtobestbesafeonline-techgirl.splashthat.com/?gz=none