Top Online Security Threats and How to Protect Yourself

Whether you’re a hotshot corporate boss or a social media-addicted doom-scroller, you need to take online security seriously. Cybercrime costs the Aussie economy around $30 billion per year, and your business (or savings account) could be next on the chopping block.

But we’re not here to scare you silly with statistics. This post provides practical tips on how to safeguard yourself against Australia’s most prevalent cybersecurity threats.

Understanding Common Online Security Threats

The first step towards strengthening online security is understanding the enemy. Whether you’re a small business owner or an everyday Average Joe, here’s the most common cyber threats in Australia.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is the illegal acquisition of personally identifiable information (PII). Common PPI examples include your name, date of birth, passport/driver’s license number, medicare card details, and tax file number. Fraudsters can use this sensitive information to impersonate you for financial gain.

What is a data breach?

A data breach is when a hacker accesses a confidential dataset or an employee accidentally discloses it. Many data breaches include sensitive personal information, leaving victims vulnerable to identity theft. Others expose things like passwords, bank account details, and credit card numbers.

What is hacking?

Hacking is obtaining unauthorised access to a PC or IT system by identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. The practice spans many methods, including malware, ransomware, bruteforce, and phishing attacks. Some hackers just want to make mischief, while others steal sensitive data for financial gain.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a social engineering attack where the hacker sends an email/SMS purportedly from a reputable institution to trick the recipient into disclosing personal information. Victims usually get directed towards a fake website that looks almost identical to the real thing, and unwittingly handover their password, credit card number, or other info.

What is malware?

Malware is malicious code designed to damage, infiltrate or exploit an IT system. Common examples include viruses, ransomware, spyware, worms, Trojans, and adware. This nasty hidden software can steal data, crash systems, and violate user privacy.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware intended to block access to a system until the victim pays a specified amount. This sneaky form of digital extortion sees the hacker encrypt crucial system files and offer to decrypt them for a fee.

What is a romance scam?

A romance scam is when a confidence trickster (AKA the Tinder Swindler) pretends to be a genuine love interest and manipulates the victim into sending money or investing in fraudulent schemes. The scammer uses a fake identity and flattery to gain the victim’s trust.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when someone spreads cruel or false information about a person online. Common examples include writing mean social media posts, sharing embarrassing photos, and disclosing sensitive personal information.

How to protect yourself from online threats

You’re now well-versed in common hacks, attacks, and scams, so here are some handy tips on how to avoid them.

Use anti-virus software

The best anti-virus programs monitor your online activity and take proactive action upon detecting potential threats. These vital, always-on programs run silently in the background to provide a potent layer of defense. Recommended options include McAfee Total Protection, Norton 360 Premium, and Trend Micro Security Suite Pro.

Adopt strong passwords

Short, simple, and predictable passwords are a hacker’s dream. Create a complex combination of lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols, ideally with at least 12 characters. Never re-use passwords, as a single data breach could compromise all your accounts. You probably won’t remember a password like “X%34vg*cVacN@” (let alone dozens of them), so use a password manager to do the mental legwork for you.

Enable two-factor authentication

Also known as 2FA, this potent protective measure sends you an SMS or email code to verify your identity. If a hacker steals your password, two-factor authentication will stop them accessing your account or making financial transactions. Always enable this crucial security feature, and never ever share the code with anyone, even if they claim to work for your bank.

Treat all inbound communication with suspicion

Phishing scams have become so prevalent in Australia it’s prudent to assume all inbound communication could be fraudulent. Rather than clicking an SMS link from Australia Post, Linkt, Amazon, etc., navigate straight to their website via your browser to verify any issues.

Share personal information sparingly

Don’t assume big corporations have the security expertise to keep your personal information safe. Data breaches hit even the largest Aussie brands (remember the Optus fiasco?), so it pays to keep private information private. Use fake details where legally permissible and avoid oversharing on social media.

Don’t click on suspicious links

Malware loves to lurk inside email attachments and shady websites. Only look at email attachments if you’re 100% confident about the sender–look for discrepancies in the email address, name, website, etc. Also, only download files from reputable, well-established websites.

Never invest with an online love interest

No matter how charismatic your new internet bae may be, don’t even think about sending them money or investing in a crypto scheme. The harsh reality is you’ve been flirting with an offshore fraudster working from a sweatshop-style scam centre.

Staying Safe Online

By following our best online security practices, you’ll better protect yourself from the dangers lurking online.

If you require further assistance, contact the experts at Geeks2U.

Geeks2U offers computer network and internet security services directly to your door. We also do a handy digital security check to evaluate possible weaknesses.

FAQ

• 1. What are the most common online security threats today?

  Phishing, malware, and data breaches are the most common cybersecurity risks in Australia.

• 2. How can I protect my personal data from cyber threats?

  Strong passwords, 2FA, and safeguarding personal information can help protect you from online threats.

• 3. What are the best cybersecurity tools for online protection?

  A password manager and anti-virus software are the best available cybersecurity tools.

• 4. How to avoid phishing attacks?

  To identify possible phishing attacks, look for mispelled email addresses, poorly worded messages, and suspicious or unexpected claims.

• 5. Why is cybersecurity for small businesses so important?

  Cybercrime costs small Australian businesses around $300 million per year, so it’s crucial to protect your company.