The first steps are turning on automatic software updates, regularly backing up your devices, using passphrases, securing mobile devices, and watching out for cyber scams.

Australians lost more than $2 billion in scams in the last year according to Scam Watch.  And New Zealanders have lost over $69.8m over the last 5 years according to Stuff. It is important that you follow these three key steps to protecting yourself online; 1. use strong passwords, 2. be alert, and 3. report attacks, scams and fraud.

Use strong passwords

• Use a password generator - G2 ranks the best password generators here
• Never use the same password - this is easy when you use a password generator
• Never share passwords - goes without saying, never email, text or write down passwords
• Use hard to guess passwords - upper and lower case, numbers and symbols
• Always use 2 factor authentication - Google and Microsoft both have options

Be alert

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - there is nothing really free in this life, everything worthwhile takes hard work and dedication. Ask questions and do research - use reputable websites you trust to check the validity of the company or person.  Check out the resources below for more information.

Report attacks, scams and fraud

When you see, or are a victim of, an attack, scam or fraud, report it.  We have included links in the resource list below that can help you. 

Have you been hacked?

The ACSC has launched the ‘Have you been hacked?’ tool. This tool will help you assess if you’ve been hacked by guiding you through a range of scenarios that will advise you on how to best respond to the situation.

Scenarios include ransomware attacks, malware threats, email compromise and identify theft, as well as phishing and fake website scams.

The tool is simple to use and includes typical warning signs, scenario explanations and easy-to-follow steps on how to remediate the situation.

• Tool: Have you been hacked?
• Quiz: How secure are you?

Now is the perfect time to protect yourself online.

If you are interested in receiving cyber alerts, join the ACSC Partnership Program and help others stay secure too.

Resources

Global Resources

• Multi-factor authentication
• Secure your Google account
• Secure your Microsoft account
• Protect your business from email fraud & compromise
• Phishing - Scam Emails

Australian Resources

• ACCC Scamwatch to report or find out more about scams- https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam 
• ATO - ATO’s dedicated scam line 1800 008 540 to check legitimacy of a call, text, or email. You can also verify or report a scam online at ato.gov.au/scams

New Zealand Resources

• NetSafe for information on staying safe online https://netsafe.org.nz/ 
• NZ Consumer Protection Report a scam https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch/avoiding-scams/report-a-scam/ 
• New Zealand Police https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/email-and-internet-safety/internet-scams-spam-and-fraud 

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