Australians are urged to take simple steps to better protect themselves from common online threats and cybercrime during Cyber Security Awareness Month this month. The 2021 theme is: "Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart."
Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) continues to make it easier for Australians to strengthen their cyber defences through new personal security guides available on cyber.gov.au.
"The Australian Cyber Security Centre's latest Annual Cyber Threat Report shows that malicious cyber actors and criminals are becoming increasingly innovative and active in targeting Australians online," Assistant Minister Hastie said.
"Cybercriminals 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.
"It's critical that Australian families and business report any instances of cybercrime via ReportCyber - reporting not only helps the victim, it also helps to develop the Australian Cyber Security Centre's knowledge of the threat picture, which helps keep everyone more secure.
"The good news is that Australians can stop many potential online attacks and keep hackers at bay by taking a few simple steps.
"The Australian Cyber Security Centre's new Personal Cyber Security Series will help Australians understand the basics of cyber security and the steps they can take today to protect themselves online.
"The critical first steps are turning on automatic software updates, activating multi-factor authentication, regularly backing up devices, using passphrases, securing mobile devices, and watching out for cyber scams.
"A guide for seniors is also available to provide additional support to older Australians looking for easy ways to stay secure online.
"Unfortunately, no one is safe from cybercriminals - the Australian Cyber Security Centre continues to receive reports of senior Australians losing thousands of dollars through convincing and multi-layered scams where cybercriminals pose as trusted business representatives, intimate partners, or technical support."
The Personal Cyber Security Series, How to Use the Internet Securely - A Guide for Seniors, and other cyber security information and advice is available at cyber.gov.au.
If you have been a victim of cybercrime, please report it through ReportCyber.
