The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is marking Cyber Security Awareness Month during October by urging the public to take simple steps to better protect themselves from online threats.
Noting that the theme for the month was Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart, Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie said the ACSC had developed a Personal Cyber Security Series to help Australians understand the basics of cyber security.
“First steps include turning on automatic software updates, activating multi-factor authentication, regularly backing up devices, using passphrases, securing mobile devices and watching out for cyber scams,” Mr Hastie said.
He also launched a guide for seniors to provide additional support to older Australians looking for easy ways to stay secure online.
“The ACSC’s latest Annual Cyber Threat Report shows that malicious cyber actors and criminals are becoming increasingly innovative and active in targeting Australians online,” Mr Hastie said.
“Cyber criminals are constantly on the hunt for poorly-secured devices and accounts to exploit, including for major attacks such as identify theft, ransomware and business email compromise.”
He said no one was safe from cyber criminals with the ACSC continuing to receive reports of Australians losing thousands of dollars through convincing and multi-layered scams where cyber criminals posed as trusted business representatives, intimate partners, or technical support.
The Minister said it was critical that Australian families and business reported any instances of cyber crime.
“Reporting not only helps the victim, it also helps to develop the ACSC’s knowledge of the threat picture, which helps keep everyone more secure,” Mr Hastie said.
