The Australian Cyber Security Centre received over 67,500 cyber crime reports in the 2020-21 financial year, on average 1 every 8 minutes.
Government research shows cyber crime is costing the Australian Economy about $3.5 billion a year. Time and time again we hear how ‘scammers’ are targeting individuals and businesses to collect personal information for nefarious purposes. This process is becoming more common in the current climate as more and more of our interactions are happening online. It’s important we know how to protect our personal information especially when communicating electronically. Here’s a short-list to reduce your risk when communicating online:
Tax File Numbers
A Tax File Number (TFN) is your unique identifier issued to you for life and in the wrong hands can allow access to some of your most personal financial information. Never send your Tax File Number in an email or SMS. If you need to provide this information, ensure you are using the official phone number for the organisation you are calling, or use a confirmed secure upload link.
Bank Account / Credit Card Information
Emails and SMS can easily be intercepted and changed prior to reaching your intended recipient. Best practice is to never include your credit card details and bank account information when communicating electronically. This information is always best communicated over the phone or in person to avoid misuse without your knowledge.
Government Issued ID
Having access to your government issued ID, be it a Drivers Licence, Photo Card or Passport can unlock a wealth of information to identity thieves. Your full name, address and date of birth among others! Most scammers avoid in-person transactions, preferring to keep their business online where it’s more difficult to determine who you are actually speaking with. A scammer with your Name, DOB and Address may be able to talk their way around security protocols and cause some real damage.
Logins, Pin Codes and Passwords
These should never be shared, Period! In the event you do need to provide this information to someone close to you do it on the phone or in person. There are too many risks to provide this information electronically. The key to staying safe is staying vigilant. Always practice the Three Ms: Minimize your exposure, Monitor your accounts and Manage the damage the minute you discover a problem.
