Beyond the Basics of Cyber Security for Social Workers

**This event is sponsored by Harvey Norman Tech for Business. Harvey Norman Tech for Business are offering AASW members a complementary cyber security assessment.**

Capability level: Emerging, Evolving

Event description:

Building on the foundation of cyber principles, this 90‑minute session deepens practitioner understanding of cyber security and empowers social workers to navigate them confidently. Learning more about these issues enhances practice by improving decision‑making, safeguarding client data during community work, and supporting compliance with legal and ethical obligations to reinforce learning and support real‑world application. Join us for a session designed to strengthen cyber awareness, build confidence, and equip social workers with the knowledge needed to protect the people and communities they serve.

The session concludes with an introduction to Harvey Norman Technology for Business solutions that support secure operations, followed by a Q&A.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand why cyber security matters in social work, including the most common and emerging cyber threats
• Understand Australian Privacy Act, Australian Privacy Principles, the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme, and ethical responsibilities under the AASW Code of Ethics
• Understand the Essential Eight Risk Mitigation Framework and How it relates to cyber security
• Understand how to recognise phishing attempts, suspicious behaviour, impersonation, and social engineering
• Learn practical strategies for secure device use, safe Wi‑Fi, encryption, and mobile work security
• Understand steps for responding to a breach, from isolation to recovery
• Learn more about how Harvey Norman Technology for Business supports secure social work practices through managed IT services and cyber security

Who should attend?

This webinar is catered to any Social Worker or health care professional wanting to develop a greater understanding of cyber security and its critical role in protecting client data.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Explain why cyber security is critical to social work practice
• Describe how cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, impersonation and data breaches impact client safety, confidentiality, and organisational integrity.
• Recognise why social service organisations are increasingly targeted due to the sensitivity and value of client data.
• Outline key obligations under the Australian Privacy Act, Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme.
• Recognise the importance of multi‑factor authentication, patching, secure passwords, and application control.
• Identify phishing attempts, suspicious emails, unusual device behaviour, and social engineering tactics.
• Understand risks associated with public Wi‑Fi, shared platforms, cloud systems and remote access tools.
• Understand organisational expectations during a breach and the importance of timely communication.

Event structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

Learning Session 1: The Essential Eight (15 minutes)

Learning Session 2: Recognising & Responding to Threats (10 minutes)

Learning Session 3: Device Management & Systems Security (10 minutes)

Learning Session 4: Incident Response – What to Do in a Breach (10 minutes)

Learning Session 5: Compliance, Legal Obligations & Lessons (10 minutes)

Learning Session 6: HNTFB and Managed IT Services (10 minutes)

Conclusion + Q&A (10 minutes)

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

AASW Credentials: N/A