This October is Cyber Security Awareness Month and Northern Territory Police are urging Territorians to take a moment to ensure you're being Cyber Secure.
There are still bookings available in both Alice Springs and Darwin for free information sessions for seniors next week.
Cyber Security is everyone's business and following the below simple steps can greatly reduce the likelihood you fall victim to cyber criminals.
- Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Keep devices and software up to date.
- Use strong and unique passwords, such as a passphrase.
- Recognise and report phishing - report phishing attempts to Scamwatch.
Senior Constable Nadine Caulfield with the NT CyberCrime Investigations Unit (CIU) said "Northern Territory Police regularly receive reports where victims have suffered financial loss, or have become a victim of identity theft, and in many cases we investigate, a stronger password or the presence of Multi-Factor Authentication could have prevented it.
"Those two simple tools remain one of the best defences against cybercrime. We hear the messaging all the time - update your password, set up multi-factor authentication or two-step verification, and there's a reason for it -it works.
"Last year, the NT CIU was made aware that 39 Australians, from every state and Territory across the country, reported to police that they were victims of online fraud. Two offenders were identified in the NT. Both were arrested and charged with 39 counts each of Obtain a Benefit by Deception. The matter remains before Darwin Local Court with their next appearance is on 18 November 2024.
"Throughout our investigations, it became apparent that there was likely to be at least another 200 victims of the same online fraud syndicate. Many people may be ashamed to report that they have been the victim of a scam, but proper reporting gives police the information needed to tackle these offenders head on.
"NT Police will be jointly presenting in free Cyber Safety Sessions lead by the NT Government in partnership with the Council of Aging NT."
The Alice Springs sessions will be held on Wednesday 23 October - the Seniors event at 10am to 11:30am, and the Business event at 1pm to 2.30pm at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.
The Darwin Seniors session will be held on Friday 25 October at 1pm to 2:30pm at the Council of the Ageing, Spillett House.
Bookings are essential so register HERE.
Cybercrime across Australia remains grossly underreported. NT Police encourage all Territorians to make a report if you have been a victim of cybercrime, even if you did not suffer financial loss.
Reporting has never been more simple by going straight to Cyber Report.
For more information go to https://becybersmart.nt.gov.au/.
