Cyber safety and e-crime
The internet offers many benefits in the way we live, work, shop and connect with others. It is important to keep yourself, your family and your personal details safe – and there are some simple ways you can do this.
Choose secure passwords
Do not use the same password for every site you use – this can make it easy for cybercriminals to hack into your accounts. The best passwords use a mix of characters, numbers and letters to make it hard for someone to guess.
Only pay online through secure sites
Never share your credit card or financial details over email, or through a site you do not trust.
Only use your official banking app or website, or a secure payment portal to make online payments. Look for a padlock symbol near the website address to show that the site is secure.
Keep your details safe online
Social media platforms can be a great way to connect with people and share your own updates – but social media also comes with an element of risk. Always be aware of what you post through your social media accounts.
Do not give away your personal address, holiday plans or any information that could pose a threat to your safety or security if a criminal saw it.
Be selective about who you connect with through social media and report any suspicious, offensive or inappropriate behaviour through the links provided through that platform.
Keep your anti-virus software updated
Viruses can lead to security issues and identity theft, so make sure you keep an up-to-date and trusted anti-virus program installed on your computer.
Be aware of scams
Cybercriminals use many types of scams – and are always introducing new types, such as scams which may relate to current events in the world.
All scams are designed to trick you into revealing personal information or payment details.
A scam email may include threats, offers of prizes or inheritance claims, or requests for money or for your personal details.
Find out more about scams and what to do through the Federal Government’s Scamwatch.
Read more about scams on the Scamwatch website
Speak up about cyberbullying
If you are the victim of cyberbullying, or know somebody who is being cyberbullied, there are actions you can take.
Many social media platforms have tools in place for users to block or report cyberbullying, so always use these if you need. Make sure you keep your passwords secure to avoid cyberbullies accessing your account – and do not feel the need to respond or retaliate.
Speak with a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher or counsellor, for support and advice. If you feel that your physical safety is threatened, take screenshots as evidence and report this to your school or local police as soon as possible.
Read more e-safety tips for young people
Keep your children safe online
If you have children, it is important to important to help them stay safe online at every age and stage. Get involved in what they are doing online, set clear boundaries with them and encourage open communication with you.
One of the best things parents can do is stay educated about online safety risks and recommendations.
Read e-safety tips for parents
Keep your business safe online
If you own a business in the City of Belmont, there are some simple ways to keep your business safe online.
Take the usual precautions about scams, viruses and online payments – and make sure you only offer your customers online payment options which are encrypted and secure. Keep your systems protected with anti-virus protection and trusted data encryption methods.
Always keep your customers’ data and personal details safe and secure to avoid hacking or breaching privacy regulations.
Read WA Police tips for business
Learn more ways to stay safe online
To learn more about cybersafety, you might like to explore these links: