More information and tips are available at http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/home_users
The internet has increasingly become part
of our daily life. It provides a way for us to connect and communicate with the
outside world from within our own home.
It can be educational and entertaining and can simplify the daily organisation of our lives.
It can be educational and entertaining and can simplify the daily organisation of our lives.
These benefits come with risks and
challenges and it is important that you and your family are protected. Securing
your computer, being aware of the hazards and practising safe online behaviour
are ways you can minimise your exposure to online risks.
Secure your computer
It's important to secure your computer properly-otherwise you may be putting yourself and possibly your family and friends at risk.
Having up-to-date security software installed and activated, securing your internet connections and services and understanding and managing the emails and files you do receive or download can help reduce the risks.
Backing-up your data can also help you recover your information if a virus destroys your files, or your computer is stolen or damaged.
Top tips
- Install security software and update it regularly. Install and activate anti-virus, anti-spyware software and install a firewall.
- Turn on automatic updates so all your software receives the latest fixes. New viruses and spyware are created every day, so it is important that your software is up-to-date and can detect new threats.
- Set strong passwords, particularly for important online accounts and change them regularly -consider making a diary entry to remind yourself.
- Be suspicious of emails from people you don't know, particularly if they promise you money, good health or a solution to all your problems. The same applies for websites. Remember, anything that looks too good to be true usually is.
- Stop and think before you click on links or attachments in emails. Spam emails often look legitimate but they can be used to carry viruses and other malicious software.
- Stop and think before you share any personal or financial information-about you, your friends or family. Don't disclose identity information (drivers licence, Medicare No, birth date, address) through email or online unless you have initiated the contact and you know the other person involved.
- Before disposing of your computer, remove all traces of your personal data. Special wiping software can be downloaded or purchased to help you clean your hard drive.
Protect yourself
Many of the things we do online-banking, shopping, chatting with family and friends or even making new friends involve us giving out personal and financial information.
You also need to know how to recognise scam and hoax emails and websites to avoid your information being stolen or being mislead into paying money for fake causes, prizes or products.
Start by making sure your computer is secure. If you are not sure about what steps you need to take, see the section Secure your computer. There are a number of smart practices you can follow to make sure you are communicating, banking and shopping safely online.
Top tips
- Make sure your computer is secure-follow the advice in the Secure your computer section of this website.
- Set strong passwords, particularly for important online accounts and change them regularly-consider making a diary entry to remind yourself.
- Stop and think before you share any personal or financial information-about you, your friends or family. Don't disclose identity information (drivers licence, Medicare No, birth date, address) through email or online unless you have initiated the contact and you know the other person involved.
- Don't give your email address out without needing to. Think about why you are providing it, what the benefit is for you and whether it will mean you are sent emails you don't want.
- Be very suspicious of emails from people you don't know, particularly if they promise you money, good health or a solution to all your problems. The same applies for websites. Remember, anything that looks too good to be true usually is.
- Limit the amount and type of identity information you post on social networking sites. Don't put sensitive, private or confidential information on your public profile.
- When shopping online use a secure payment method such as PayPal, BPay, or your credit card. Avoid money transfers and direct debit, as these can be open to abuse. Never send your bank or credit card details via email.
- When using a public computer, don't submit or access any sensitive information online. Public computers may have a keystroke logger installed which can capture your password, credit card number and bank details.
- Encrypt sensitive information. If you keep personal or financial information on your computer, consider taking steps to encrypt and protect sensitive files and folders
Protect your children
Protecting your children from harm is just as important online as it is in the real world. As a parent or carer, you can play an important role in helping children have safe and positive experiences online.
Children might be exposed to content that is sexually explicit, violent, prohibited or even illegal. They may also experience cyber bullying or be at risk from contact by strangers.
Children may - unknowingly or deliberately - share personal information without realising they may be subject to identity theft, or that they are leaving behind content that might not reflect well on them in the future.
By taking an active role in talking with you kids about the risks and answering their questions or concerns about something that they find on the Internet you can help them stay safer online.
Top
tips
- Know what your children are doing online-make sure they know how to stay safe and encourage them to tell you if they come across anything suspicious or if anybody says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened.
- Get to know the technologies your children are using. This will help you understand the risks and to be able to talk to them about what they are doing online.
- Discuss the risks with your children and agree on some rules for internet use. Post them clearly near your computer.
- Tell your children if they are uncomfortable talking to you they can contact the Cybersmart Online Helpline (Kids Helpline) www.cybersmart.gov.au
- Place the computer in a family area of the home-the family or living room, rather than a bedroom.
- Install an internet content filter. This can be used to restrict what content is viewed and downloaded or the times when they can use the internet.
- Make sure your children know not to share personal information or photos. This includes their full name, mailing address, telephone number, the name of their school, or any information that could allow someone to work out who they are and where they live.
- Report inappropriate, harmful or criminal activities that occur online or via a mobile device to www.thinkuknow.org.au
- Report offensive content to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). You can do this by completing the relevant online form at www.acma.gov.au/hotline or by sending an email to online@acma.gov.au or phone 1800 880 176
Secure your mobile phone and devices
The features that make your phone 'smart' also make it susceptible to viruses and malicious software. If your phone isn't secure and it is lost or stolen, your personal information, including passwords, banking details, emails and photos could be used to access your money or to steal your identity.
Top tips
- Put a password on your phone and a PIN on your SIM card. Do not rely on the default factory settings. Using a password and PIN will stop thieves getting access to your phone or using the SIM in another phone to make calls. All phones have security settings so familiarise yourself with them and turn them on.
- Setup your device to automatically lock. If your phone has not been used for a few minutes, it should automatically lock and require a password or PIN to reactivate.
- Encrypt your data. Some phones allow you to encrypt your data, sometimes using third-party software. Encryption secures your data if your phone is lost or stolen.
- Consider installing security software from a reputable provider. Anti-virus, anti-theft, anti-malware and firewall software is available for some mobile phone operating systems.
- Stay with reputable websites and mobile applications (apps). Always keep an eye on your commonly used websites' addresses and make sure you are not redirected or diverted to other websites. When using any financial mobile applications, such as mobile banking, make sure to only use applications supplied by your financial institution.
- Be careful when allowing third party unsigned applications to access your personal information. This includes access to your location. Always read permission requests before installing new apps or app upgrades, looking for unusual requests or pleas for money.
- Do not click on unsolicited or unexpected links. Even when they appear to be from friends.
- Check your phone bill for unusual data charges or premium rate calls. Contact your service provider immediately if you discover any unusual calls or data usage on your bill.
- Check for updates to your phone's operating system regularly. Install them as soon as they are available.
- Be smart with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. When connecting to the internet using Wi-Fi, try to use an encrypted network that requires a password. Avoid online banking or financial transactions in busy public areas and over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Ensure that passers-by can't watch what you are typing (known as shoulder-surfing). Turn Bluetooth off when you aren't using it.
- Back up your data regularly. Set up your phone so that it backs up your data when you sync it, or back it up to a separate memory card.
- If you decide to recycle your phone, make sure you delete all your personal information first. Most phones have an option to reset to factory settings. Remember to remove or wipe any inserted memory cards.
- To assist you in case of your mobile theft or loss, ask your provider or manufacturer whether it has services such as mobile tracking and the ability to remotely wipe your information stored on the phone.
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Treat your smart phone like your wallet - keep it safe and on your person at all times.
- Remember your smart phone is a computer - all the same security rules apply. This includes checking the authenticity of websites, not clicking on links from people you do not know, and watching out for phishing scams (by email, text or even voicemail) asking for personal information.
