View all publications

01 Dec 2020

Creating Strong Passphrases

Multi-factor authentication (a combination of something that you know, something that you have or something that you are) is one of the most effective ways to protect against unauthorised access to valuable information and accounts. However, in cases where multi-factor authentication is not available, a strong passphrase can often be the only barrier between adversaries and your valuable information and accounts. Passphrases are most effective when they are long, complex, unpredictable and unique.

15 Dec 2020

Cyber Security Research Report

The ACSC commissioned exploratory research to better understand audience awareness of cyber security threats and practices.

26 Jun 2020

Detecting Socially Engineered Messages

Socially engineered messages present a significant threat to individuals and organisations due to their ability to assist an adversary with compromising accounts, devices, systems or sensitive information. This document offers guidance on identifying socially engineered messages delivered by email, SMS, instant messaging or other direct messaging services offered by social media applications.

07 Apr 2021

Easy steps to secure your devices and accounts

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed an Easy Steps Guide to help Australians reduce their risk of being targeted by cybercriminals.

24 Nov 2020

Quick Response Codes in a COVID-19 Environment

Quick Response (QR) codes have increased in popularity in the COVID-19 environment, aiding contact tracing and business check-in efforts. This guide provides information for individuals and businesses to help protect against cyber threats when using QR codes.

31 Oct 2019

Quick Wins for your End of Support

Every software product has a lifecycle. Knowing key dates in a program’s lifecycle can help you make informed decisions about the products your small business relies on every day. This guide helps small businesses understand what end of support is, why it is important to be prepared and when to update, upgrade or make other changes.

09 Oct 2019

Quick Wins for your Portable Devices

Mobile technology is an essential part of modern business. While these devices may be small, the cyber threats when transporting them outside of the office are huge. This guide helps small businesses understand what is a portable device, why it is important to manage their use and how to keep the data on portable devices secure.

01 Jul 2020

Quick Wins for your Website

Small business account for over 95% of all businesses in Australia and 72% of them have a website. However, in a world in which websites are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals, only 36% check for updates every week. For those small businesses with a website, or that are considering one, these three quick wins will help you protect your money, data and reputation.

02 Oct 2020

Ransomware in Australia

The Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has observed an increase in the number of ransomware incidents affecting Australian organisations and individuals.

07 Jan 2021

Security Tips for Online Gaming

There are many things to think about when it comes to the use of personal devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops) or gaming devices (e.g. Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox consoles) for a safe and secure online gaming experience. Following the security tips in this publication can assist you to prevent the compromise of your devices and information, thereby avoiding significant productivity, financial and emotional impacts.

10 Jul 2020

Security Tips for Personal Devices

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to the use of personal devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, computers and laptops). For example, compromises of personal devices and the information they store can have significant productivity, financial and emotional impacts. This document has been written to provide security tips to secure personal devices and protect your information.

14 Sep 2020

Security Tips for Social Media and Social Networking Apps

Social media, and social networking or messaging apps, can pose a number of security and privacy risks to both organisations and individuals when used in an inappropriate or unsafe manner.

09 Oct 2019

Step-by-Step Guide – Turning on Automatic Updates (For Windows 10)

This step-by-step guide shows you how to turn on automatic updates if you use Microsoft Windows 10.

26 Jun 2020

Travelling Overseas with Electronic Devices

This publication provides guidance on strategies that individuals can take to secure the use of electronic devices when travelling overseas.

26 Jun 2020

Web Conferencing Security

Web conferencing solutions (also commonly referred to as online collaboration tools) often provide audio/video conferencing, real-time chat, desktop sharing and file transfer capabilities. As we increasingly use web conferencing to keep in touch while working from home, it is important to ensure that this is done securely without introducing unnecessary privacy, security and legal risks. This document provides guidance on both how to select a web conferencing solution and how to use it securely.