The UNE IT cyber security team recently participated in Armidale’s first Diversity and Safety Expo aimed at teaching the community, especially Ezidi refugees, how to keep safe by providing vital safety information.

According to IT cyber security expert, Bashir Semakula, the UNE stall attracted a lot of interest.

“The adults were really interested in how to keep their passwords safe and how to identify phishing emails while students, teenagers and young adults were more interested in performing online purchases safely and social media safety.”

“Our posters attracted a lot of attention. There were a number of teachers who asked if they could have some to display in their classrooms to raise awareness of online safety especially on social media.

“Federal MP for New England, the Hon Barnaby Joyce also visited our stall and was especially interested in the poster about how criminals can use our human nature against us. He told us a story about how one such criminal contacted him and how he turned them down.”

The UNE stall was one of 15 that shared valuable information about living safely in Australia with the public. Also in attendance were Family Referral Services, the Benevolent Society, the Samaritan’s Homeless Youth Assistance Program, Roads and Maritime Services, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW SES.

The Expo was hosted by the Armidale Community Development Team, which is made up of Settlement Services International, Northern Settlement Services, Department of Premier and Cabinet, UNE International, Department of Human Services and Armidale Regional Council.