Tips to Minimise Cyber Fraud

Cyber fraud or cyber crime is becoming an increasing threat for individuals and business.

Cyber fraud involves unauthorised and criminal behaviour undertaken through an online platform. It can present itself in different ways, such as:

• theft of financial information

• identity theft

• hacking

• unauthorised modification of data

• creation and distribution of malicious software

There are various steps that you can take to minimize cyber fraud or cyber crime. For example:

• use up to date security service providers, such as, Norton Security

• use strong passwords

• reset your passwords regularly

• don’t repeat the same password across multiple platforms

• consider using a password management application

• update your software operating systems, as recommended by the software provider

• manage social settings, eg. Facebook

• consider using a virtual private network (VPN) – this encrypts all traffic leaving your devices until it arrives at its destination

• be vigilant about disclosing your personal information

• use two factor authentication

• DON’T click on a link included within an email you receive without first verifying the link

• backup your files regularly

For further information on steps you can take to protect yourself against cyber fraud or cyber crime, refer to the:

Australian Cyber Centre

Think You Know

Scamwatch