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Criminals will pretend to be someone that you know and trust:
Be wary of any request to obtain your money, personal information or password.
Contact the institution directly instead of responding to an email, text message or phone call that could be fraudulent.
Do not open attachments or click on links in suspicious emails or messages. Doing so may run malicious software on your device.
Set up automatic backup to copy your important files and assignments to a separate location.
If a disaster happens and you lose your files, you have a backup that can be restored.
No software product is perfect.
Enable automatic updates to fix security flaws and bugs as they are discovered.
eHeadspace is a secure space where young people aged 12 to 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional. eheadspace.org.au
Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling and information about support services. lifeline.org.au or phone 13 11 14.
Crimestoppers or local police can assist with concerns about personal safety. crimestoppers.com.au or phone 1800 333 000
Passphrases, series of words totalling 20 to 30 characters, are more secure and easier to remember than traditional passwords.
Create unique passphrases for your logins. If one passphrase is compromised, your other ones remain secure.
Password managers can save your passphrases if you have trouble remembering them all.
Enable encryption where available. If criminals intercept or access your files, they are unreadable when encrypted.
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Multi-factor authentication means providing two or more ways to confirm your identity before you gain access.
For example, to use a bank ATM, you need two factors: your bank card and your PIN.
Enable multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS allow you to lock your phone or computer when you are not using it to prevent unauthorised access.
Be aware of the Laws in Australia, educate yourself, don’t rely on AI chatbots which are not always accurate, filters are misleading, algorithms shape the way you view your content, cyberbullying can take many forms such as exclusion or humiliation, be mindful of age-appropriate content, and manage your time online - take breaks so that you can focus better!