Practice good cyber hygiene

Did you know that Australians lost over $634 million to scams in 2019? Scammers are adapting and using digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat as forums for scams including fake online stores and the sale of fake tickets to events. Unfortunately scammers are using the spread of COVID-19 to take advantage of Australians of all ages.

COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on society, changing many aspects of the way we live our life on a daily basis. Even though stay at home restrictions have been lifted in many states and territories, life is still far from normal so many of us have been turning to technology to keep us connected, entertained and informed.

Navigating a virtual world, with Zoom meet ups and online activities, is now our biggest focus. However, it also creates greater opportunities for scammers and fraudsters looking to leverage the emergency.

“Just like personal hygiene is extremely important when it comes to stopping the coronavirus, practising good cyber-hygiene is needed to stop the emotional distress and financial loss you and your family may suffer as a victim of fraud or a scam” explains Con Nikolaou, Head of Cyber Protection at Teachers Mutual Bank Limited (the Group includes Teachers Mutual Bank, Health Professionals Bank, UniBank, and Firefighters Mutual Bank).

It’s important to review how well you are you practising your cyber hygiene and what better time to start than now?

Practising good cyber hygiene may help protect you against the various forms of scamming and fraudster attacks. Some of these attacks include phishing scam emails, virus or Trojan emails, receiving malicious software and tethering attacks through your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

To help combat these attacks, simply follow these cyber hygiene tips:

• Never give anyone, especially anyone who has contacted you via an unsolicited means, access to your computer, tablet or phone.
• Never type your Internet Banking or Mobile Banking App log-in into a computer, tablet or phone at the request of others.
• Never use a hyperlink in an email or text to log-in to Internet Banking or undertake a financial transaction. Only log-in to Internet Banking via your Bank’s website address as disclosed on your account statements.
• Never reply to an email or SMS that requests your personal information.
• Never show or tell anyone, including your Bank, your Access Code, PIN or One-Time Passwords associated with your Internet Banking or Mobile Banking App.
• Regularly check scamwatch.gov.au to learn about the latest types of scams.
• Regularly check the Security pages on your Bank’s website for updates.

You should also keep in mind that cyber criminals use every opportunity available to exploit weaknesses in cyber security, such as a frantic search for health advice. Always make sure that you look for information about COVID-19 on trusted sources such as government websites.

Go to Teachers Mutual Bank’s website where you will find more information including tips for shopping online and mobile app security click here.

As COVID-19 continues to impact Australia, Teachers Mutual Bank has put in place measures to provide banking services safely, and to help customers that may be facing financial challenges. We’re here for you. Click here to find out more.