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Ways that you can protect your personal information online

23 Oct 2024

Nearly every app, social media platform or website asks you for some personal information. Personal information includes your name, email address and phone number. It’s important to always think twice about sharing personal information.

Protecting your personal information is very important as scammers and identity thieves can use it to pretend to be you. They can create fake accounts in your name and act in ways that could impact you now or in the future. This could include fraud, such as stealing money from your bank account or taking out a loan in your name.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, so we are sharing some top tips from our friends at Be Connected to help Probus members keep their information safe and secure.

Use device security

Using security software on your computer is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your privacy. Good computer security includes installing reputable antispyware, anti-virus scanners, and firewall software. You should also keep your online security tools and apps up to date by enabling auto-updates. Use automatic and timed screen locks or password-protected screensavers, and have an automatic lockout for multiple login attempt fails. 

Passphrases

Keep your accounts secure with strong passphrases. Passphrases are the more secure version of passwords and are made up of four or more random words. Try thinking of a different passphrase for each of your accounts and don’t recycle parts of any old ones. When you choose your passphrase, make it:

  • Long – at least 14 characters
  • Unpredictable – use four or more random words with numbers, symbols, and upper and lowercase letters
  • Unique – don’t reuse your passphrases

Tip: You can check the strength of a password using the NSW Government’s password strength tester at nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/be-prepared/passwords 

Multi-factor authentication

It’s always a good idea to switch on multifactor authentication for your accounts. Multi-factor authentication (also known as 2-step authentication) adds an extra layer of security. This means that when you log into an account with your password, you might be asked to do an extra step to confirm that it’s you – like enter a code from a text message or use face recognition identification.

Shop securely online

When shopping online, make sure you use trusted sellers and look up customer reviews. Before entering your personal information, check that the website uses ‘https’ at the beginning of its domain name or has a security icon, usually a small, locked padlock, on its browser to indicate it is a more secure website. When making a purchase, use a secure payment method such as PayPal, BPAY or your credit card. 

Use a secure connection

When you need to access important accounts, send sensitive information or enter passwords, connect to a trusted internet connection, such as at home or work, or by using your own mobile data if it’s available. Public Wi-Fi is not as secure as your home or work Wi-Fi.

This Cyber Security Awareness Month, join a free Be Connected webinar to learn more steps you can take to protect your data. Upcoming presentations include:

  • Tuesday 22 October at 10am AEDT: Protecting your personal information online
  • Thursday 14 November at 10am AEDT: Managing your emails safely
  • Tuesday 26 November at 10am AEDT: Protect yourself against scams

Find a wide range of free Be Connected resources to improve your online skills at www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au.

About Be Connected

Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative implemented in partnership by the Department of Social Services, the eSafety Commissioner and Good Things Foundation Australia, committed to improving the online confidence, skills and safety of older Australians, helping make the online world a safer, more positive place for us all to enjoy.

For information about online safety, please visit the following links