It may seem hard to keep ahead of the latest online threats and know how to deal with them, but there are a few basic steps you can take which will go a long way to protecting yourself online. This section contains simple steps to help you safely navigate the internet and avoid common pitfalls. Anti-virus software Viruses, spyware and other malicious software or malicious code (malware) can stop your computer working properly, delete or corrupt your files, steal information, or allow others to access your computer and your personal or business information. Backing up and restoring Regularly backup the data on your personal computer, phone or tablet to the cloud or to external hard drives. This will protect you from data loss from hardware failures, breakage, theft, or malware infection like ransomware. Browsing the web safely Making the right choices when doing things on the web can make a huge difference to your safety online. Cyber safety at tax time ACSC's has teamed up with the Australian Taxation Office to bring you tips and resources to help you stay safe online at tax time. Email and texts There are potential risks involved in doing things online, but being aware of the threats and making smart choices can help you reduce the risk. File sharing and sending and receiving data When sharing files with friends and colleagues using the internet, take precautions to ensure files are not infected. Multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that requires two or more proofs of identity to grant you access. Online banking, payments and finance You need to protect your passwords for online banking and financial transactions. Online dating 101 Online dating is a great way to meet people; however, not everyone is genuine. There are scammers who use dating sites to target people and trick them out of money or cause them harm. Scammers also use social networking sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Skype), text messages and email. Protecting accounts Protecting accounts is the first line of defence to protect your information from cybercriminals. Protect your devices By securing your personal devices you can maintain a positive online experience and get on with the fun stuff. Shopping or buying online When you shop online, be smart about the purchasing process and trust your instincts. Socialising online Online forums and social media sites are great for keeping in touch with friends and family, but think twice about what information you put online and who can see it. Wi-Fi - private and public It's easy for information sent using public Wi-Fi access to be intercepted, so you need to be careful about what information you send or receive while connected.
Anti-virus software Viruses, spyware and other malicious software or malicious code (malware) can stop your computer working properly, delete or corrupt your files, steal information, or allow others to access your computer and your personal or business information.
Backing up and restoring Regularly backup the data on your personal computer, phone or tablet to the cloud or to external hard drives. This will protect you from data loss from hardware failures, breakage, theft, or malware infection like ransomware.
Browsing the web safely Making the right choices when doing things on the web can make a huge difference to your safety online.
Cyber safety at tax time ACSC's has teamed up with the Australian Taxation Office to bring you tips and resources to help you stay safe online at tax time.
Email and texts There are potential risks involved in doing things online, but being aware of the threats and making smart choices can help you reduce the risk.
File sharing and sending and receiving data When sharing files with friends and colleagues using the internet, take precautions to ensure files are not infected.
Multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that requires two or more proofs of identity to grant you access.
Online banking, payments and finance You need to protect your passwords for online banking and financial transactions.
Online dating 101 Online dating is a great way to meet people; however, not everyone is genuine. There are scammers who use dating sites to target people and trick them out of money or cause them harm. Scammers also use social networking sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Skype), text messages and email.
Protecting accounts Protecting accounts is the first line of defence to protect your information from cybercriminals.
Protect your devices By securing your personal devices you can maintain a positive online experience and get on with the fun stuff.
Shopping or buying online When you shop online, be smart about the purchasing process and trust your instincts.
Socialising online Online forums and social media sites are great for keeping in touch with friends and family, but think twice about what information you put online and who can see it.
Wi-Fi - private and public It's easy for information sent using public Wi-Fi access to be intercepted, so you need to be careful about what information you send or receive while connected.