Prevention is the best protection, but we can’t always stop cyber crime before it happens.
If a digital break-in has occurred, follow these FIVE simple steps:
STEP #1.
Notify your bank immediately — and ensure your accounts are protected and monitored for suspicious activity.
The faster you notify your bank, the higher the chance for recovery of funds.
Only contact your financial institution through a legitimate channel, such as the phone number on their website or through their in-app messaging if supported.
Never click on links in SMSs that purport to be from your bank. Your bank should never ask you to click on a link to protect your account, nor should they ask for a one-time password to facilitate a transaction or “secure” your account.
STEP #2.
Stop all contact with the scammer.
Don’t send any more funds, and don’t communicate further.
STEP #3.
Protect your other accounts.
If you think your account has been compromised, change your passwords, ensure your multi-factor authentication is turned on and monitor your business activity.
Get all team members to do the same.
STEP #4.
Report the attack.
It is important to report attacks.
Cyber scams should be reported to Scam Watch and cyber attack and fraud attempts to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
You can subscribe to the latest alerts from Scamwatch and the ACSC for up-to-date advice on emerging threats.
Scamwatch https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/(opens in a new tab)
Australian Cyber Security Centre https://www.cyber.gov.au/(opens in a new tab).
STEP #5.
Get help.
Be sure you have cleared your systems of cyber criminals with the assistance of cyber specialists.
If you believe your ID has been compromised, contact IDCARE(opens in a new tab).
Have you ever …
- Ignored a software update?
- Used the same easy-to-guess password for all your account logins?
- Downloaded free software to help you with a task at work?
Why does it matter?
Every time you said “yes,”— you opened your business to a potential cyber-attack.
Next, you will explore four tools to lock those digital doors and help protect your business.
There are four basic tools that will help you prevent and recover from attacks.
Tool #1: Automatic updates defend against digital break-ins
Tool #2: Multi-factor authentication provides added security and a virtual alarm.
Tool #3: Passwords are your first line of defence to prevent an attack.
Tool #4: Back up your data and business files, increase your ability to bounce back from an attack.
30% of small businesses have upgraded passwords to passphrases
Upgrade to passphrases – easy to remember, hard to hack
Passphrases are:
- A type of password that are harder for cyber criminals to crack and easy to remember, which makes them an easy cyber safety win.
- Longer and they contain a sequence of random unrelated and unpredictable words, usually four or five.
- An easy combination of words for you to remember.
34% of small businesses use encrypted Password Management Systems
Password manager – they can be helpful, but remember to help protect them with MFA and a strong password or passphrase!
Only 3 small businesses in 10 apply advanced password management strategies.
REMEMBER: Change your passwords for the following and save them in a secure password manager:
- company email
- financial services
- business files
- accounts storing payment details
Not sure where to start, contact us and we can discuss a strategy to secure your organisation!
Email ategra@ategra.au or contact us on 08 8932 7888.