The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has published a new online resource to help computer users protect themselves from cyber criminals.
Launching the new resource, ACSC said lottery and grant scams, identity theft, investment scams, hacking, phishing, dating and romance scams, online abuse and sextortion were just some of the threats people faced.
“Our Easy Steps Guide shows how you can better protect yourself from these threats and secure your accounts and devices, and your digital identity,” ACSC said.
“By following this checklist, all users of technology — individuals and families, businesses and organisations — will make themselves less of a target.”
It said the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) was encouraging voters to carefully check the source of electoral communications they received.
The new resource outlines a six-day plan to better secure accounts and devices.
Day One:
Create a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication for your bank and purchasing accounts, AppleID, Google account and email account.
Day Two:
Create a strong, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication for your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp or other messaging apps.
Day Three:
Add a PIN/password and turn on automatic software updates for your mobile phone, device, home computer and laptop.
Day Four:
Install security software on your mobile phone, device, home computer and laptop.
Day Five:
Complete the security check-up for your Gmail, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.
Day Six:
Turn off automatic connection to Wi-Fi and only connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks on your mobile phone, device, home computer and laptop.
The ACSC’s two-page Easy Steps Guide can be accessed at this PS News link.
