Tips to stay safe online

Avoid public WiFi

Public WiFi usually isn’t as secure as a private network. If you do need to use it:

Protect your social media accounts

Limiting the public information, you share on social media can help prevent cyber criminals from using your information for identity theft or fraud. Customise your settings to carefully choose who you allow to see your full profile. Avoid sharing personal data like addresses, middle name, birthdate, travel dates or pet names which can be used to steal your identity or hack your accounts.

Keep devices secure

Devices like mobile phones, tablets and computers are vulnerable to viruses, spyware, malware and other online cyber threats. To keep them secure:

Use strong passwords

A strong and unpredictable password helps to secure your banking, email and social media accounts. These contain important information about your identity.

Tips for creating a strong password

How to keep your password secure

Buy online safely

Be cautious before you hand over money online. Secure website URLs begin with ‘https’ and show a closed padlock in the address bar. It’s best to buy from stores which offer safe ways to pay. Unsafe websites usually have:

Protect your business

Consider limiting who can install programs, change security settings and use programs or networks. You should also encrypt hard drives and sensitive data files, create a guest mode for visitors to restrict network access and limit staff to the use of approved network devices only.

Ensure payments made via online banking a restricted to users and that the transactions are approved by two people – Call CMCU to change your payment options.

Types of Scams

Protect yourself from online shopping scams