Cyber Security – Learn The Basics
It’s easy to improve your cyber security! Take these simple steps today to learn the basics and protect yourself and your small business.
Practical ways to protect yourself online
- Update your devices – Updating your device and applications can fix issues and address new security concerns. Updates can also add new features to your app or device.
- Set up and perform regular backups – Backing up and having backups mean you can restore your files if something goes wrong. Copies of your files (e.g. photos, documents, videos, etc.) are saved to an external storage device or to an online server like the cloud.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication – Multi-factor authentication means having extra checks to prove your identity. For example, you may need an authentication code from a text message in addition to your password to log into your account.
- Set secure passphrases – Changing your passwords to a passphrase is a great way to improve your cyber security.
- Recognise and report scams – Scammers often use email, text messages, phone calls and social media. Their goal is to scam people into paying money or giving away their personal information.
- Watch out for threats – Safeguard against cyber threats and stay in control. The best way to beat cyber threats is to practice good cyber security and know what to look for.
Level up your cyber security
Check out the following cyber security tips:
Tip #1 Think about what you post online – Be mindful about what information you share online and who can access it. Once something is online, it can be nearly impossible to delete.
Tip #2 Get alerts on new cyber threats – Sign up to the Australian Government free alert service here. You’ll receive an alert when we identify a new cyber threat. The alert service will also help you through what to do if a cyber attack happens.
Tip #3 Talk about cyber security with your friends – Be generous and assist your older relatives. If you have a small business, upskill your staff by training and talking about cyber security.
Tip #4 Avoid public wi-fi when you’re banking or shopping online – If you are buying something or making a transaction online, do not use public Wi-Fi. Instead, use only a trusted Wi-Fi connection or mobile data.
Tip #5 Report cyber attacks and cyber security incidents to keep Australia secure – If you think you’re a victim of a cybercrime or cyber security incident, report it via ReportCyber or over the phone on 1300 CYBER1.
Tip #6 Got mail? Check the sender’s name against their email address – Scam emails can seem real. One check is to ensure the sender’s email matches the sender’s name. If it doesn’t, it may be a scam and you should report it and delete.
Small Business Cyber Security
For a small business, even a minor cyber security incident can have devastating impacts.
The Australian Government has put together a Small Business Cyber Security Guide. This Small Business Cyber Security Guide covers the below topics and is well worth a read. It includes basic security measures to help protect your business against common cyber threats. If you have questions about cyber security more broadly, we recommend you speak to an IT professional or a trusted advisor.
Cyber Threats to Small Business
- Scam Messages
- Email Attacks
- Malicious software
Secure your accounts
- Turn on multi-factor authentication
- Use strong passwords or passphrases
- Manage shared accounts
- Implement access controls
Protect your devices and information
- Update your software
- Back up your information
- Use security software
- Secure your network and external services
- Harden your website
- Reset your devices before selling or disposing of them
- Keep your devices locked and physically secure
- Protect your business data
Prepare your employees
- Educate your employees
- Make an emergency plan
- Stay informed
As cyber threats grow more complex and widespread, it’s crucial to use secure technologies that protect the privacy and data of users. For more information on cyber security, check out the website for the Australian Cyber Security Centre here. You can also talk to a Qualified Professional Insurance Broker about Cyber Insurance for your business here.
