Security of information

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) operates the Australian Business Register (ABR) website and the ABR transaction sites. Security controls protect the sites from unauthorised access and information when collected, used, disclosed and stored by the ABR.

Personal information won't be released unless the law permits it or permission is given. Users should be aware that there may be inherent risks associated with the transmission of information via the internet.

Legislation prohibits ATO personnel and government departments from accessing, recording or disclosing taxation information except when performing their duties or in situations permitted by taxation laws.

Confidentiality and integrity

The ABR sites have two forms of protection:

• SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption provides the secure connection between the user and ABR Web server. For more information refer to W3C ‘The world wide web consortium’ where a search for ‘SSL’ or browsing Security FAQs provides current information.

User awareness of location

It's intended that users of the ABR sites will be able to determine when they're interacting with the ABR.

Users can confirm they're interacting with ABR sites by checking the digital certificate used to provide SSL encryption.

To check, click on the SSL padlock located along the bottom of the browser window and confirm the following:

• the certificate has been issued to 'abr.gov.au'
• the certificate has been issued by 'Thawte Server CA'
• the certificate has a validity period of two years
• the certificate path shows only 'Thawte Server CA' followed by 'abr.gov.au'

How details are displayed depends on the type of browser being used.

Online security

We will never ask you for your tax file number (TFN), bank details or other personal identification information in an electronic communication to you (including email or text message).

If you've received fraudulent communication, you're unsure of the legitimacy of a communication that claims to be from the ABR or you think you've been a victim of a tax-related scam, call us on 13 28 61.

If you receive an SMS or email asking for personal information, forward the entire email to ReportScams@ato.gov.au.

Keeping your software up to date

For the best experience and improved online security, we recommend using one of the supported desktop browsers listed in:

• Table 1 – for supported desktop browsers
• Table 2 – for supported mobile browsers

Note: On 10 December we will be updating our website. To continue accessing our services update your standard operating environment as soon as possible to a recent version. Refer to Making changes to our website for further information.

If you use another browser, you may experience issues or be prevented from accessing our online services.

Other system requirements

You may also need to check the following settings on your device when accessing our online services.

Find out more:

• Privacy statement
• Accessibility
• Contact us