Cyber Awareness & Safety Tips

Modern technology provides valuable opportunities to socialise and access useful information. Being vigilant about cyber security allows us to enjoy these benefits safely.

Let’s begin with … What is phishing? Phishing is a scam that involves deceptive emails or messages that exploit trust and create urgency to trick people into revealing personal information, posing a risk of identity theft and financial harm.

Let’s take a look at how we can keep safe.

1. Be wary of emails, texts, social media messages or phone calls seeking personal information like your bank details, Medicare number, birthdate or login passwords. Legitimate organisations won’t ask for such details via these channels. Verify with the company directly if in doubt.
2. Do not use phone numbers in unsolicited text messages or emails to call someone back. Instead, find official contact details on the organisation’s website, ensuring that you are speaking with a genuine employee.
3. Refrain from clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails and messages. These may contain malware or phishing attempts to steal your personal information.
4. Scrutinise sender email addresses for misspellings or suspicious signs.
5. Beware of messages creating urgency or using threatening language.
6. Exercise scepticism towards offers that seem too good to be true. Verify the legitimacy of unexpected prize notifications or special offers before proceeding.
7. Protect accounts with strong, unique passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication for an additional layer of security.
8. Research thoroughly before making payments to unfamiliar people or companies. Look for reviews and complaints to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

If you are looking to improve your digital skills and knowledge, look out for our upcoming digital workshops.

Posted: March 14, 2024