Personal cyber security handbook
Explore the practical steps individuals and families can take to protect their devices, accounts and personal information.
- Published
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- Last reviewed
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At a glance
Protect yourself and your family from common cyber threats with practical steps to secure your accounts, devices and personal information. Learn how to use multi-factor authentication, passkeys, strong passwords and software updates. Understand how to spot scams, protect your privacy, use online services securely and reduce risks when travelling. This handbook is for individuals and families who want clear, practical advice to improve their cyber security and respond confidently to online threats.
Key actions
Turn on multi-factor authentication, use passkeys where available, and create strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
Keep your devices, apps and software up to date, and regularly back up important information.
Stop and check before clicking links, scanning QR codes, sharing personal information or responding to unexpected messages.
Review your privacy settings, secure your home Wi-Fi, and only use trusted websites, apps and online services.
Cyber security is an important part of everyday life. This handbook is a practical guide for individuals on how to improve your personal cyber security. It provides advice and steps you can use to help protect you, and your family, friends and colleagues against common cyber threats. By following good cyber security practices, you’re doing your part to help secure Australia.
How to use this handbook
This handbook provides advice on how to protect your devices, accounts and personal information. It also has advice for spotting scams and staying digitally secure while travelling.
Use this handbook to:
- learn about and build good cyber security habits
- protect yourself against common cyber threats
- share cyber security tips with your family, friends and colleagues.
Core cyber security tips
- Set up multi-factor authentication
- Use passkeys
- Use unique and strong passwords (where use of passkey is unavailable)
- Keep your devices and software up to date
- Learn how to spot scams
Detailed advice to improve your cyber security
- Secure your devices
- Secure your online activity
- Travel overseas safely
- Get help