Settlement Guide: 5 tips to stay smart online

There are some simple steps you can take to protect your personal and financial information online.

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1. Protect yourself and your mobile device

Keep your mobile device with you at all times. Remember if your mobile device is unsecured and it is lost or stolen. It could be used to access your money or to steal your identity using information on your device.

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2. Secure your computers

You can secure your server by seeking expert advice from a trusted supplier, restrict the number of administrator passwords and consider using a hardware firewall for your server. Regularly back-up server data and keep back-up data secure and only available to authorised personnel.

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3. Protect your personal information and privacy

Treat your personal information as you would treat your money—don't leave it lying around for others to take. With your stolen identity, a person may access your bank account, obtain credit cards or loans in your name, or claim welfare benefits, and potentially ruin your credit rating.

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4. Don’t share your password

Use strong passwords and don't share them with anyone. A random combination of numbers, letters and punctuation over eight characters long is recommended.

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5. Secure your internet connection

Your internet connection is a channel from the outside world into your computer. If it isn't secured properly someone may use it to get to your information or hijack your connection or computer for their own purposes.

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If you believe some of your privacy has been breached, contact the Office of the Australian Information for assistance on 1300 363 992.

You can also check the list of current online threats and find a glossary of cyber terms on Stay Smart Online.