Your guide to staying safe online

In recent years, Australia and New Zealand, like many countries around the world, has seen a significant rise in cyber-attacks aimed at individuals and organisations alike. Whether you’re shopping online, managing your finances, or simply browsing the web, protecting your personal information is more important than ever.

Your digital safety isn’t just about keeping your devices running smoothly - it’s also about safeguarding your privacy and financial security.  

By following some straightforward practices, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats and enjoy a safer online experience.
 

Stay protected with regular updates

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself online is to keep all your devices—such as laptops, computers, smartphones and tablets up to date. Software updates often include critical security fixes that defend against new threats. By ensuring your devices are regularly updated, you close the door to many potential attacks.

It’s easy to overlook these updates, and this can leave your devices vulnerable. Make it a habit to check for updates regularly and apply them as soon as possible.
 

Add an extra layer of security with multi-factor authentication

Passwords alone aren’t always enough to keep your accounts safe. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra step to the login process, requiring you to verify your identity in addition to your password - such as a code sent to your mobile phone.

This additional layer of security makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts, even if they manage to steal your password. If MFA is available on your accounts, it’s a good idea to use it.
 

Strengthen your passwords

Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts is a key part of staying secure online. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as common words, names or birthdates. Instead, opt for a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters.

To make managing multiple complex passwords easier, consider using a reputable password manager. This tool can securely store and generate strong passwords for you, reducing the temptation to reuse the same password across different sites.
 

Stay alert: be aware of phishing scams

Phishing scams - fraudulent emails or texts designed to trick you into revealing personal information - are a common way cybercriminals attempt to gain access to your data. These scams can look very convincing, but there are often subtle clues that something isn’t right.

By staying informed about the latest phishing techniques and learning how to spot suspicious communications, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these attacks.  

Remember, if something doesn’t seem to be right, it probably isn’t. When in doubt, don’t click on links or provide any personal information.
 

Empower yourself with knowledge

Staying safe online is an ongoing process. Regularly educating yourself about the latest cyber threats and scams, and how to protect against them is essential.  

Resources like the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) offers valuable information to help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
 

Stay informed and stay safe

Cybersecurity is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. By adopting these essential practices and staying informed through trusted resources, you can significantly enhance your digital safety and protect your personal information.

For the latest updates on cyber threats and security tips, visit ACSC.