The website www.staysmartonlin e.gov.au was launched by ICT Minister, Senator Helen Coonan today.

"I acknowledge that e-Security can be daunting and difficult to understand, but simple measures can put businesses on the front foot and prevent major and potentially costly e-security breaches later on.

"Small businesses will have quick access to a range of information that can be used to protect their own critical business information, along with the confidential information of their customers."

Senator Coonan also invited expressions of interests to participate in the 2008 National e-Security Awareness Week, which will be an annual event over the next four years.

The Stay Smart Online website and National e-Security Awareness Week are part of a $13.6 million package of initiatives announced by the Australian Government in the 2007-08 Budget.

Organisations can express their interest in participating in the National e-Security Awareness Week by emailing onlinesecurity@dc ita.gov.au or contacting 02 6271 1284.