The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

How can you stay safe from cyber attacks? Here are 2 simple checklists from experts

  • Written by Jing Jia, Senior Lecturer, Business School, University of Newcastle

“Cyber security” may sound like a far-off worry for big corporations or telcos[1], but that’s far from the case. Cyber security simply means the practice of safeguarding your sensitive data[2] from unauthorised access, theft and damage.

If you have any online accounts at all, you should know how best to protect them. That’s also true if you have a small or medium business.

Nearly half of all cyber attacks target small businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees[3], resulting in an average cost[4] of A$46,600 for small businesses and $62,800 for medium-sized businesses in Australia.

Even if you don’t own a business, your personal savings are vulnerable, too. Last year, individuals affected by cyber crime reported an average loss of $30,700[5], up 17% from the previous year.

So what can you do to protect yourself? We interviewed 18 financial, legal and cyber security professionals in Australia and developed practical checklists for individuals and small-to-medium businesses. Here’s what they recommend.

Cyber security checklist for individuals 1. Use strong, unique passwords Strong passwords are a cornerstone of cyber security. You’ve likely heard this a lot, but it bears repeating: set up a unique password for each of your online banking and email accounts, using a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. 2. Enable multi-factor authentication Add an extra layer of security to all your important accounts by enabling two-factor or multi-factor authentication[6] wherever possible (you can easily find this in app settings). This means that after entering your password, you also need to enter a verification code sent to your phone, for example. 3. Be cautious with email attachments and links Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or unsolicited emails or text messages[7]. Verify the sender and stay vigilant. 4. Limit what personal info you share online Cyber criminals often use publicly available information for social engineering attacks[8] where they pretend to be someone you know, your employer, or even a business you’ve interacted with. Be mindful of any information you share on social media and other platforms. 5. Avoid public wifi for sensitive transactions When accessing sensitive information (like banking sites), avoid using public wifi or hotspots. It’s best to use your mobile data connection or, if you know how to set one up, use a virtual private network, or VPN. 6. Exercise caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) tools Before uploading sensitive or confidential information to AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude, think of the potential risks. Avoid using untrusted or unsecured platforms, check their policies to understand how your data might be shared, and be mindful of the types of information you share with these tools. 7. Use encryption for sensitive information Encrypt personal files and sensitive communications to protect them from unauthorised access. For example, you can set a password for your document in Microsoft Word by selecting “Encrypt with Password” under the “Info” tab in the “File” menu. This ensures only people with the password can open or modify the file. 8. Stay informed about cyber security threats Keep up with cyber security news and trends to know what types of attacks are becoming common. You can do this by subscribing to news articles[9] on scams or checking websites like Scamwatch[10]. Cyber security checklist for small and medium businesses Much of the advice for individuals also applies to business owners. But there are other things you should keep in mind when it’s not just your personal data that’s at stake. 1. Evaluate how long to keep information Determine how long to retain information and data and assess if it’s valuable for the organisation. For example, an accounting firm may retain client tax records for five years, but delete older records no longer relevant to current business. 2. Remove unnecessary information and data Remove information that no longer serves a purpose to reduce the risk of exposure during a breach. For example, retail businesses should periodically delete outdated customer email lists. 3. Keep software and systems up to date Keep all systems, applications and devices updated. Software may contain vulnerabilities that cyber criminals can exploit, and updates are a way to patch these up and keep your systems secure. 4. Keep an eye on who can access what Limit access to information based on roles within the organisation. For example, at an accounting firm, only the relevant employees should have access to the financial records of its clients, and they should be protected with multi-factor authentication. 5. Have reliable data backup procedures Regularly back up essential data to a secure location. Having reliable backups allows for recovery in the event of data loss or ransomware attacks. 6. Conduct regular security audits Regularly audit systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities. For example, an accounting firm that stores sensitive client data like financial records should conduct quarterly security audits to ensure the data stays safe and nobody has gained illicit access. 7. Train employees on cyber security best practices Employees play a significant role in cyber security. Regular training can help them recognise phishing emails, suspicious links and other tactics used by cyber criminals. 8. Create an incident response plan Develop a response plan for cyber security incidents that outlines the steps to take in case of a cyber incident or breach. If something happens, having a plan in place will help you react quickly and efficiently. 9. Consider investing in cyber security insurance Cyber insurance can help mitigate the financial fallout from a breach, covering aspects like data restoration, legal fees and public relations efforts. Cyber attacks are constantly evolving, so everyone must stay vigilant about their cyber security – whether it’s simply protecting the logins to your social media accounts, or ensuring the safety of your entire business. References^ big corporations or telcos (theconversation.com)^ safeguarding your sensitive data (theconversation.com)^ with 1,000 or fewer employees (www.embroker.com)^ in an average cost (www.cyber.gov.au)^ reported an average loss of $30,700 (www.cyber.gov.au)^ multi-factor authentication (theconversation.com)^ text messages (theconversation.com)^ social engineering attacks (theconversation.com)^ news articles (theconversation.com)^ Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/how-can-you-stay-safe-from-cyber-attacks-here-are-2-simple-checklists-from-experts-245040

Times Magazine

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

The Times Features

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...

Ways to Attract Tenants in a Competitive Rental Market

In the kind of rental market we’ve got now, standing out is half the battle. The other half? Actually getting someone to sign that lease. With interest rates doing backflips and ...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifes...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-b...