From smartphones to smart TVs to gaming consoles, our homes have dozens of different devices connected to the internet, with research showing this is likely to triple over the next five years.^[1]

Connected devices are transforming the way we live, making the home a hub for the emerging digital society Australians are embracing with gusto.

More than 86 per cent of Australian households are now estimated to be connected to the internet^[2], with an average of 17 million Australians going online from home during any quarter.^[3] We’re also moving to a networked home environment, with more than 90 per cent of online households using Wi-Fi—allowing computers, smartphones and other devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another wirelessly.^[4]

As our homes become more connected, they become more integral to digital society—a central place where online social and economic activity occurs.  The internet allows access to a wide range of information, goods and services, and makes it easier than ever to communicate with other individuals, businesses and government, resulting in a fundamental shift in the way we perform our day-to-day activities.

How has the internet changed Australian households? Here are just a few examples:

• More than 5.1 million employed Australians aged 15 years + now use the internet for home based work, with 1.9 million of these undertaking home based work for their own business.^[5]

• Nearly 11 million Australians use online video and streaming services via smartphones, tablets and other devices.^[6]

• Nine million Australians use smartphones, tablets and other devices to shop online.

While having internet-enabled devices in our homes has clearly made our lives more convenient, there are a few things we should consider to ensure our online security and privacy. Our new interactive resource, Protecting your digital lifestyle, is an engaging way to learn about different digital technologies in the home, with your home business, out and about and other extras.

A core element of the Government’s Cyber Security Strategy is to build Australians’ understanding of the real-world impacts of cyber risks and simple solutions to ensure confidence online.

Take the tour and discover new ways to protect yourself and your personal information online.

Brought to you by the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner and the Office of the Cyber Security Special Adviser.