Building our cyber safe culture
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, an important reminder that small, consistent actions help protect what matters most online.
This year’s theme “Building our cyber safe culture” underscores the importance of proactive online safety measures, supported by a range of resources designed to help individuals and businesses to prioritise cyber security.
There are simple actions everyone can take to safeguard themselves online:
1) Install all software updates to keep your devices secure:
Installing regular updates will keep your devices secure and makes it harder for cyber criminals to access them.
Make sure that automatic updates are switched on so that you are notified when an update is available.
Learn more about how to update your devices at cyber.gov.au
2) Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account:
A passphrase is a more secure version of a password.
Passphrases are hard for cybercriminals to crack, but easy for you to remember.
Create passphrases that are:
15 or more characters
Unpredictable: use 4 or more random words. Avoid identifying information such as family names, birth dates or addresses.
Unique: are different for every account.
Learn more about how to set secure passphrases at cyber.gov.au
3) Always set up multi-factor authentication (MFA):
Enable multi-factor authentication where available to add an extra layer of security to all of your online accounts.
MFA requires two or more proofs of identity to log in to your account
MFA adds an extra layer of security
Start with setting up MFA on your most important accounts (such as online banking and email accounts)
Learn more about how to turn on multi-factor authentication at cyber.gov.au
Cyber Security Awareness Month focuses on building capability and encouraging action, giving Australians the skills and confidence to take control of their online safety. The goal is to ensure both individuals and organisations have the knowledge and tools to stay secure.
A strong cyber culture develops through small, consistent actions that become everyday habits. Simple practices, such as questioning unexpected emails, pausing before clicking links, and regularly checking account security, can make a big difference. By embedding these behaviours into daily routines, cyber safety becomes second nature at home and in the workplace.
Everyone has a role in creating a resilient digital community. By staying alert and practising good cyber hygiene, we can reduce risks and better protect the things that matter most.
Need help?If you believe someone has gained access to your bank account and/or personal information, even if the scam appears unrelated to your finances, you should contact your bank immediately. A timely response can be critical.
If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately.
You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
Find out how scams work, how to protect yourself, what to do if you’ve been scammed or report a scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch.
As always, we remain committed to your security and privacy online. To understand how we help to keep you safe, please refer to our Security page. For information on common scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the News section of our website.
