Update on coronavirus and AISA events

AS Australia’s top producer of information security conferences and other events, AISA is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

At present, the three AISA big events that are open for registration - BrisSEC (March), and Cybercons in Canberra (May) and Melbourne (October) - are proceeding as planned.

This aligns with the current stage of the Federal Government response plan for this new flu-like illness, and we will keep you up-to-date with any developments.

ADDITIONAL READING:

>> WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters - WHO

>> Q&A on coronavirus (COVID-19) - WHO

>> Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert - Australian Government

>> Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources - Australian Government

>> Detailed daily situation reports from the World Health Organisation

Amid the tabloid sensationalism and the social media misinformation, the Australian Information Security Association will remain measured and clear-headed, relying on trustworthy, expert advice and information from authoritative sources.

According to the World Health Organisation if you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not travelled from an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of infection is low.

To be sensibly cautious, our venue providers will ensure thorough hygiene measures, including hand-sanitising stations and comprehensive surface cleaning.

We encourage our members and delegates to be proactive in their own preventative practices, including frequent hand-washing with soap, avoid handshakes and face-touching, cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing, and to stay at home if you’re feeling unwell.

While this new coronavirus leads the TV news bulletins each night, it’s worth noting that hundreds of thousands of Australians are diagnosed with regular seasonal flu each year.

And, as of March 4 (Wednesday) there were just 43 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia.

As mentioned, AISA is listening and taking advice from experts, such as Australia's chief medical officer Brendan Murphy, who told ABC News: "The main message that we're trying to give still to the Australian public is that there is no cause for concern."

He also emphasised that Australia is “extremely well prepared”.

Please remind your family and friends to beware of the increase in scams, particularly ones where criminals are pretending to be the World Health Organisation (WHO) or Australian Government officials. Scams can be reported directly to the WHO or to the ACCC.

Misinformation on social media is increasing on a daily basis, unfortunately leading to harm and unnecessary panic.

Practise good hygiene, as you would in any flu season, and we look forward to seeing you at an AISA event soon.

Yours Sincerely

Damien Manuel

Chair, AISA