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No matter where you are in the world, it's important to stay safe online. In this blog, we discuss the importance of online safety, how to protect your identity and what to do if you are affected by a data breach.
Let's explore some easy steps that you can take to protect yourself online:
Enable two-factor authentication (two-step verification) for all accounts, such as email and social media. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or email code.
Keep your phone and computer software up to date for improved security on your devices.
Scams are often done by email and can look very real so it’s important to take the following steps:
If you receive a phone call from a bank or any company you have an account with, do not give any personal information such as passwords or PIN numbers over the phone. Most companies will never call you and ask for personal information.
If you are unsure or suspicious about the caller, hang up and phone the organisation directly. You can find their contact number on their official website and ring them to find out whether the company is trying to contact you.
If you receive a text message from an unknown number, do not click on any links. Always go directly to their website and contact them if you are unsure.
When using public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking. Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is password-protected.
Review your social media privacy settings and limit the information visible to the public. Avoid sharing too much personal information online.
When shopping online, use reputable websites, and make sure the website's URL starts with "https://" to indicate a secure connection. Avoid saving your payment information on websites. If you haven’t heard of the company before, check for reviews and who wrote the reviews to make sure they are from real people.
Regularly back up your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This protects your information in case of data loss or ransomware attacks.
Despite your best efforts, data breaches can still happen. If you think your personal data has been leaked, here's what to do:
If you have been affected by online bullying or a cyber incident and are feeling stressed, please reach out for help. There are many free support services available in Australia.