Media Release: AFP provides NRL players with cyber security tips
Release Date: Tuesday, June 08 2010, 06:30 AM
This is a joint media release between the AFP and the NRL.
The National Rugby League (NRL) has taken a proactive step to protect the online welfare of its players, embracing a partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and presentations of online advice to all 16 NRL teams.
The AFP will visit the Brisbane Broncos today to give players information on protecting personal and financial information online, raising awareness of issues faced by social media and online networking users.
Coinciding with National Cyber Security Awareness Week which commenced on Sunday, the AFP will deliver presentations to the Broncos, Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys throughout the week.
The program was piloted when the NRL invited the AFP to give online safety seminars to each of the Under 20 Toyota Cup squads as part of the 2010 NRL Rookie Camps.
Following positive feedback from players and clubs, the NRL and AFP have now come together to deliver the same presentation to every NRL team.
The initiative is an extension of the AFP’s existing partnership with the NRL/Rugby League Player’s Association (RLPA) Education & Welfare program. The seminars focus on giving players advice about privacy on social networking sites and protecting their personal and financial information.
“People are using social media and networking sites more and more these days and it is important players understand how to use these sites safely,” NRL/RLPA Education & Welfare Officer Nigel Vagana said.
“There are a number of issues all young people face online and with the help of the AFP we want to educate our players about potential risks so they can take steps to prevent problems occurring.”
“As professional footballers, they are often easily recognised and sometimes more vulnerable than most but, in reality, online safety is something everyone should be aware of.”
AFP National Manager of High Tech Crime Operations Neil Gaughan said the NRL presentations built on the AFP’s other online education initiatives, such as the ThinkUKnow program delivered to Australian schools.
“Awareness is the best weapon for online security,” Assistant Commissioner Gaughan said.
“NRL players may have a higher profile than many people, but anyone’s reputation can be damaged and anyone can be vulnerable to online crime if preventative measures aren’t taken to protect your own personal information.”
“These presentations aim to give players information so they can better protect themselves, their club and the NRL online.”
“The one message the AFP would like all social networking site users to take home is to ensure that privacy settings are activated and to limit access to personal information to friends only. The best approach is to limit access to people you actually know in the real world,” Assistant Commissioner Gaughan said.
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AFP: (02) 6131 6333