Australians are being encouraged to take some simple steps to improve their online security as part of National E-security Awareness Week.

"Being more secure online can be as simple as getting a better, stronger password and updating it twice a year," the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said.

"No-one wants to lose their bank details to criminals or fall victim to an online scam and that’s why it’s important that people understand the simple steps they can take to stay smart online and protect their personal information."

National E-security Awareness Week aims to inform Australians about the importance of e-security and highlights the simple steps people can take to protect their personal and financial information.

The week involves a range of events designed to promote the stay smart online message. This includes Change your Password Day today.

Five simple tips for improving e-security:

Get a better, stronger password and change it at least twice a year.

Get security software, and update and patch it regularly.

Stop and think before you click on links or attachments from unknown sources.

Information is valuable. Be careful about what you give away about yourself and others online.

Visit www.staysmartonline.gov.au for more information and to sign up for the email alert service.

"Australians are increasingly using the internet in their everyday lives, doing their banking, shopping, communicating with friends and family and running their businesses. This activity will only increase as we rollout the National Broadband Network," Senator Conroy said.

"I would like to encourage all Australians to take these simple steps to being more secure online, starting with updating their passwords."

The Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, emphasised that a partnership approach to e-security is critical.

"Business and government are facing an increasing range of sophisticated threats to their internet connected systems and government, businesses and individuals all have an important role to play in ensuring Australia has a robust e-security environment," Mr McClelland said.

National E-security Awareness Week highlights a shared responsibility for e-security as the Australian Government partners with more than 30 major organisations from the ICT industry, commercial business, state and territory government agencies and the community.

"I’d like to acknowledge the fantastic support of our partners who are participating this coming week and encourage everyone to take part in the activities and events on offer throughout the week ahead," Senator Conroy said.

Information on National E-security Awareness Week activities and the alert service is available on the Australian Government’s e-security website www.staysmartonline.gov.au