Think Before You Click: 4 Essential Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams
In today’s digital age, Australians engage in numerous online activities daily, from paying bills to using social media. While these conveniences enhance daily life, they also expose individuals to the rising threat of cyber crime. The Australian Cyber Security Centre reported over 87,000 instances of cyber crime in 2023-2024, equating to a report every six minutes. Many victims remain unaware of being hacked or scammed until it is too late. Scamwatch revealed that Australians lost nearly A$319 million to scams in 2024 alone. A significant factor contributing to this issue is poor “digital hygiene,” which refers to maintaining a clean and secure online presence. Improving digital hygiene can help protect personal information from scammers and hackers.
To enhance digital hygiene, individuals can adopt several practical steps. First, they should stop and think before clicking on unexpected messages, especially those claiming to be from banks or delivery services. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty actions. Second, using strong, unique passwords is crucial, as reusing passwords can lead to credential stuffing attacks. Individuals are encouraged to use password managers to secure their accounts, particularly for sensitive information like emails and banking. Lastly, enabling multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password for login. By following these steps, Australians can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber crime.