Computer security is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT and it’s about ensuring that no one else can gain access to YOUR private information you store on your computer. More specifically, it is about ensuring your computer is protected against Malware threats and Phishing.

Malware threats and Phishing (yep, it’s pretty phishy!)

Malware is a genetic term for software that is designed specifically to cause a computer problem. You may have heard these called ‘viruses’. (I know we’re over viruses but..)

Phishing refers to fake websites or emails that try to trick you into thinking that they are legitimate. They are not legit!

Protect (your devices) against Malware

The number one best way to protect your equipment against Malware is by installing antivirus or anti- malware programs on your computer

Every computer operating system has antivirus/ malware protection built into it. This software is suitable for performing simple task online such as browsing the internet, however, if you are going to do online banking or online shopping, we recommend purchasing and installing extra antivirus software.

Examples include:

• https://au.norton.com/
• https://www.mcafee.com/en-au/index.html
• https://www.trendmicro.com/en_au/forHome.html

Each of these have a yearly cost and can be purchased online or from a local computer store.

Are there free options?

There are free antivirus software available, however, these do little more than what is included in the operating system and are mainly provided as a tool to persuade you to buy the paid version.

Examples include:

• https://www.malwarebytes.com/
• https://www.avast.com/en-au/
• https://www.avg.com/en-au/

BEWARE: There are some programs that disguise themselves as Virus Scanners. They pretend there is an issue on your computer and suggest you install their paid version.

McAfee Security Scan Plus is not an antivirus software even though it appears like one. It is a pretend security solution designed to advertise other McAfee products and get you to buy them.

Your Operating System

It is also important to regularly update your computer’s operating system. Keeping this system updated can help to protect against newfound issues. (Computer viruses are generally built to target weaknesses in operating systems and that’s why it’s important to continually update as it protects you from these pests!)

Android phones

The update process will vary depending on the type of android phone you have. In most cases, there will be an option to update in the settings menu.

Windows Computer

1. Go to the search tools next to the Windows Button
2. Type WINDOWS UPDATE
3. Select CHECK FOR UPDATES in the search results and follow the prompts to update.
4. If you do not have a TYPE HERE, search box or magnifying glass next to the Windows Button on the screen then your operating system is probably too old to safely update.

Apple MacBook/tablet (with photos)

1. Click SYSTEM PREFERENCE
   

2. Click SOFTWARE UPDATE
   

3. Either click UPGRADE NOW to upgrade your software immediately or click the small box on the left of ‘Automatically keep my Mac up-to- date’ for your computer to automatically update whenever a new software update is available.
   

If the box is blue, as displayed below, it means automatic updates are ON.

NOTE: If you have a computer or tablet that is more than 5 years old you may not be able to get the latest safety features for online browsing. You will receive the newest option based on the age of your device.

Apple iPhone

iPhone instructions are very similar to MacBook/ tablet.

1. Go to the Settings App
2. Click GENERAL
3. Click SOFTWARE UPDATE
4. If there is a software update available, you can install it or turn on Automatic Updates on up the top of the page

Protect (your devices) against phishing. Do you mean fishing? Nah Phishing!

Phishing websites or emails will look like the real version. They want to trick you into revealing passwords, personal information or bank details.

Common examples:

1. An email that says you need to update your password or banking details via a link. This link will take you to a fake website – even if they
   look real, they are designed to steal your details. Please remember that Banks will never send these kind of emails.
2. A text or emails that says you have missed a parcel delivery and must click a link to ensure you get it. This phishing message will usually be sent by an unknown number will direct you to a fake website.

If you suspect that a website or email might be a Phishing one, here’s what you can do:

• Don’t respond to requests for personal or sensitive information via email, even if the request appears to be from a trusted source.
• Verify the authenticity of requests from companies or individuals by contacting them directly. You can do this by making a phone call.
• NEVER CLICK ON LINKS IN EMAILS or open email attachments from UNKNOWN SOURCES, and only open attachments from known sources after confirming the sender.
• If you use the same password across many platforms, please change to unique passwords for each.
• If you’re not expecting an email or an SMS then chances are it isn’t legitimate
• If the email says you need to update your information or else your account will be disabled, it is more than likely FAKE!
• If the email says you’ve won a contest of any kind, on the balance of probability it is…NOT TRUE.

You can also ask yourself these key questions: (Some scepticism is healthy)

1. Does this company already have my details?
2. Why would this company be contacting me via email?
3. Does this email address me, by my correct name?
4. Are there any typos or layout issues on the website or email?
5. Does the email/web address match the company name expected for this company? Is it spelt correctly?
6. Does it have a legitimate looking signature in the email with contact details or are they suspiciously missing or look strange?
7. If the email claims to be from someone I know personally, does the email address match the one I have on file for that person?

Use a secure site

Only ever enter financial information on secure sites. A secure site will show a padlock symbol on the internet address bar and instead of starting with http, the URL (uniform resource locator or so known as a web address) will begin with https.

Most modern and up to date web browsers will warn you when you are looking at an insecure or fake website. So once again, it is important to ensure your computer operating system is up to date.

Each device includes a web browser (on Apple it is Safari and on Windows it is Edge). These are updated when you update your operating system, however, if you use a different web browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox you must also make sure you keep them up to date too.

Below is an example of a secure site.

HOT TIPS:

Shop at stores you know or check the reviews on stores you don’t know, before you purchase anything.

When possible, use services such as PayPal (see How to Shop Online) that enables you to send payments directly to businesses and individuals without disclosing your credit card details.

If you are not sure if a website is safe, search the website name on https://scamadviser.com to check if it’s legit.

Computer privacy. So boring…. but SO IMPORTANT!

Computer privacy refers to preventing unauthorised people from accessing your personal, computer stored information. For example, if someone finds your passwords and takes over your Facebook account or tricks you into revealing your credit card details. These are both computer privacy issues.

Ensure computer privacy

• Use strong passwords, ones that would be difficult to guess and do not share it with anyone. The password should contain a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. It is also important to have different passwords on different sites so that if someone gains access to one, they won’t be able to access the others.

Keeping your passwords safe:

• Most browsers will allow you to store and remember passwords. This makes it easier to remember your login, however, if your computer is shared, stolen or remote access is obtained by an attacker then your private information could be stolen.

If you are worried about saving passwords online, you can:

1. Handwrite your passwords and store them in a safe place.
2. Try encoding your passwords with a special technique of your choice. For example, writing them backwards.
3. Download an App that managers your passwords such as RoboForm which has been ranked no.1 password Manager in Australia. Depending on the version of RoboForm you want, it can be free or cost money. Bitdefender is the no.1 ranked browser-based password manager, if you’d rather not use an app.

Tips for keeping your email secure

• If you are concerned about your email address being easily identified, create one that does not contain your real or full name. You may even like to create two, separate email addresses – one that you use for personal tasks and one you use to subscribe to mailing lists.
• Use strong passwords, ones that would be difficult to guess and do not share it with anyone. The password should contain a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. It is also important to have different passwords on different sites so that if someone gains access to one, they won’t be able to access the others.
• Beware of Phishing. For tips on how to protect against phishing, read the information above.

Tips for staying safe on social media

• The most important thing to remember when using social media is that anything you post, is no longer owned by you and is available to everyone on the internet.
• Be mindful of what you post. Be careful of how much personal information you share through your posts. For example, could someone find out your current location, your home address or phone number?
• Regularly check and/or edit your privacy settings on social media so that you can control exactly who can view your posts.
  

• Be careful about who you accept friend requests from. Do you know this person?

Tips for dealing with online abuse

We know that being a woman makes you more vulnerable to online abuse. If you would like guidance on how to identify online abuse, report it and seek support, please visit the eSafety commissioner advice here.

For more advice on how to be safe online as a woman, please visit the Australian Government, eSafety Commissioner website here.