Stay Sharp. Stay Secure: Your guide to staying safe online
Think cyber security is just for the tech team? Think again.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, the perfect time to pause and ask yourself: Am I doing enough to stay safe online?
To help you stay protected, we’ve gathered some practical tips from Cindy Jeeves, our Manager of Technology and Innovation at Alteris.
These simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your personal and financial information secure and staying safe online.
Every click, email, and login matters, and a few smart habits can be the difference between staying safe and getting scammed.
Why it matters
Scams and cybercrime are exploding across Australia. In the first half of 2025 alone, Australians reported over 108,000 scams, with losses totalling $174 million.
Most started with something simple, a text or email that looked real but wasn’t. These scams, known as phishing, are designed to trick you into trusting the wrong person.
Cindy Jeeves, Manager of Technology and Innovation
Scammers often pretend to be from your bank, phone provider, the ATO, MyGov, Centrelink, or streaming services, asking you to:
Click a fake link
Once you do, they can access your accounts, steal your identity, or take your money.
- Share personal details
- Scammers use this data to impersonate you, access your bank accounts, steal your tax refund or superannuation, and even sell your identity on the dark web.
- Log in to a bogus website
- These fake sites look identical to the real thing. The moment you enter your username and password, scammers gain full access, often before you realise anything’s wrong.
A single click can cause more than financial loss, it can impact your identity, reputation, and peace of mind.
The golden rule
No bank, financial institution, or government agency will ever send you a link asking you to log in or verify your details. If you receive a message like this:
Simple Habits to Stay Safe
These quick habits take seconds but can stop scams in their tracks.
Don’t Click the Link. Pause and Think
Scammers rely on instant reactions. Taking a few seconds to think is your best defence.
Ask yourself:
- Does this message feel off?
- Is the sender genuine?
- Was I expecting this?
If not, delete it.
TIP: Hover over links to see the real web address, and look for clues like spelling mistakes, odd sender addresses, or urgent language.
Verify Before You Trust
If something feels wrong, go straight to the source. Use a verified phone number or the company’s official website. Never trust contact details in a suspicious message.
Remember:
- Banks will never send login links.
- When in doubt, look up the number yourself, never click the one in the message.
TIP: If it smells phishy, it probably is.
Strengthen your defences
A few simple habits can keep you one step ahead:
Use strong, unique passwords
- Think of your password as the key to your digital house.
- If you use the same one everywhere, a single leak gives scammers access to everything.
- Choose long, unique passwords that mix letters, numbers, and symbols.
TIP: Use a password manager so you only need to remember one master password while it securely handles the rest.
Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Even if scammers steal your password, MFA can stop them cold.
- It’s a quick extra step, like entering a code sent to your phone, that proves it’s really you
TIP: Use an authenticator app (like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator) instead of text messages where possible, it’s harder for scammers to intercept.
Keep your software apps updated
- Those pop-ups asking you to update aren’t just about new features. They patch security holes that scammers actively look for.
- Out-of-date software is like leaving a window open. Updates close it before anyone sneaks in
TIP: Turn on automatic updates so your devices stay protected without you having to think about it.
Stay aware and share
The more we talk about scams, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.
- Report it: Visit scamwatch.gov.au to report suspicious messages.
- Spread the word: Share what you learn with family and friends, especially those who might be more vulnerable.
The bottom line
Cyber safety isn’t about fear; it’s about being smart.
It’s about:
- Slowing down
- Checking twice
- Trusting your gut
This month, take a few minutes to:
- Update your passwords
- Review your online accounts
- Remind friends and family to stay cyber smart
Stay alert. Stay secure. Don’t take the bait.
Want to learn more?
Visit scamwatch.gov.au for the latest scam alerts and tips on staying safe online.
At Alteris, we take cyber security seriously, both for our clients and our team. If you ever encounter something suspicious, whether it’s a message, phone call, or online interaction, please don’t hesitate to contact us before taking any action. We’re here to guide you.
Your safety matters. Let’s stay smart and stay safe together.
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