Cyber safety to stay secure online

Your cyber safety is important to us and we want you to enjoy a safe and secure experience every time you’re online.

This support article will give you key information on how to keep your computer secure while browsing the web and tips on what you can do to avoid scams, viruses and other problems online.

How to protect your computer

The best way to protect your computer when it’s connected to the internet is to keep your anti-virus and other security software updated. You can also install a firewall to prevent unauthorised access to your computer.

Here are some other ways you can secure your computer to keep it protected when you’re online:

• Turn on automatic updates so that all your software receives the latest fixes.
• Only use strong passwords and change them regularly. Also ensure that your PINs are not readily identifiable or easy to guess. It’s best not to use 1234, 9999 or your birthday.
• Configure your wireless network securely.If you are using a wireless router/modem,enable the security features with a strong password.
• Use WPA or WPA2 encryption on your Wi-Fi equipment.WEP is an older standard and is less secure. Refer to your router/modem manual.

How to use your computer safely

There are several important steps you can take to use your computer safely. It’s important that you keep your personal information safe when you’re online. Stop and think before you share any personal or financial information about yourself, your friends or family online. If you suspect your computer has been compromised, report the unauthorised access to the police and change your passwords as soon as you see something suspicious. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect your personal financial information has been stolen.

Here are some more tips for online safety:

• Carefully consider before you click on links or attachments. Don’t open suspicious emails or attachments from unknown sources. Don’t click on links in emails requesting your personal details.
• Check your “sent items” file or “outgoing” email. If you find unknown messages in your outbox, it is a sign that your computer may be infected with spyware, and may be part of a botnet. This isn’t foolproof: many spammers have learned to hide their unauthorised access. Be careful responding to communications from people or organisations you aren't familiar with.
• Make yourself aware of what permissions you have granted to your applications, and whether these are reasonable or necessary. Be particularly careful when granting access to your location, call history or text messages. Only use apps from trusted providers such as Google Play or iTunes.
• Set social networking profiles to private. Don’t accept friends or follow requests from people you don’t know. 

For more information visit the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network, the eSafety Commissioner website and the Stay Smart Online website.