Newsletter Spring 2024 – Cyber Security

Cyber Security

Newsletter Edition 1, Spring 2024

We are continuing to observe high levels of online activity from malicious actors. As the new financial year begins, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the simple steps we can all take to stay safe and secure online.

Below are some actions you can take to protect yourself online:

1. Double-check website and email details
   Pay close attention to the exact spelling of websites and email addresses to ensure you’re interacting with the legitimate company or person offering the product or service. Scammers often use slight variations that resemble real websites and applications. For example surfcoastfinancials.com.au or surfcoast_financial.com.au
2. Think before you click
   Whether a link comes in a text message or an email (even if it appears to be from a trusted source), take a moment before clicking. If you’re unsure about the link’s safety, consider contacting the organization directly or typing the website address into your browser manually.
3. Use strong and unique passwords
   Protect yourself by using different passwords for different accounts and updating them regularly. A strong password is your first line of defence against unauthorized access to your devices and accounts. Avoid using weak or easily guessable passwords, especially those containing personal information like names, birthdays, or addresses.

Also, refrain from re-using passwords across multiple sites or applications, as cybercriminals often use lists of breached passwords to try accessing other systems.

Source: Macquarie Insights – Dec 2023

Three simple steps to protect yourself