The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is urging parents with student children to be vigilant while shopping online for school essentials.
In a statement, the ACSC said back-to-school shopping opened up opportunities for cyber-criminals to strike.
“Our online shopping advice is part of an ongoing national cyber security campaign that warns Australians cyber-criminals never switch off, and urges people to ‘act now and stay secure’,” the ACSC said.
Head of the Centre, Abigail Bradshaw said Australians must be alert to opportunistic cyber-criminals seeking to exploit the expected surge in people purchasing products online for school.
“Our advice is designed to be quick to read and simple to apply and this updated guidance is designed to help Australians avoid the risks associated with shopping online,” Ms Bradshaw said.
Her words were echoed by the Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie who said that in their relentless efforts to steal money and data, cyber-criminals would be targeting busy families preparing for the 2021 school year.
“While parents are shopping online for back-to-school supplies, cyber-criminals are shopping around for their next victim,” Mr Hastie said.
“The internet has revolutionised shopping, and cyber-criminals continue to revolutionise their craft.”
He said parents could reduce the risk of becoming victims of cyber-crime by taking steps such as purchasing items only from trusted sellers, being aware of fake retailers, and always using secure payment methods.
Ms Bradshaw encouraged Australians to access the ACSC’s updated guidance, published as part of its ongoing cyber security campaign.
The guidance can be accessed at this PS News link.
