Learn how to secure your devices to protect your sensitive information and accounts.
What do I need to do to secure my devices?
From phones and laptops, to smart TVs and speakers, devices are playing an increasingly important role in our lives. Devices can help us stay connected, entertained and productive, but they are not without risks. If a cybercriminal hacks your device, they may be able to access the sensitive information stored on it, or the accounts it’s linked to.
What can I do?
The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) has published advice on securing different types of devices, including personal devices and internet of things devices, like smart TVs, lights and fridges. The advice outlines simple steps you can take to keep your devices secure, including using antivirus software, setting up standard user accounts, taking precautions when traveling and wiping devices before you sell or dispose of them.
Antivirus software
The consequences of viruses, spyware and other malicious software can be serious and far reaching. Follow our guidance about using antivirus software.
How to dispose of your device securely
You should consider that any devices you dispose of could be accessed by strangers.
How to protect yourself from malware
Malware (short for 'malicious software') is software that cybercriminals use to harm your computer system or network. Cybercriminals can use malware to gain access to your computer without you knowing, in targeted or broad-based attacks.
Internet of Things devices
This information helps the community buy and use Internet of Things (IoT) devices securely. An IoT device is an everyday item that has had internet connectivity added to it. Examples of IoT devices include baby monitors, drones, security cameras, smart televisions and solar inverters. IoT devices within homes and businesses generally use Wi-Fi or cellular networks, such as 4G or 5G, to connect to the internet.
Managing user accounts
Protecting accounts is the first line of defence to protect your information from cybercriminals.
Secure Your Mobile Phone
Protect your phone or tablet from cybercriminals.
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 publication has been written to provide security tips to secure personal devices and protect your information.
Travelling Overseas With Electronic Devices
Learn how to keep electronic devices secure when travelling overseas. This guidance provides advice from both an individual and organisational perspective.