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Introduction to internet safety

Let's look at some basic tips for staying safer online.

Computer and email security

Some of the main online risks include:

  • viruses – malicious software that can spread from computer to computer through the internet. Some are just a nuisance, others can harm your device and steal data
  • trojans – also malicious software but looks innocent or enticing. For example, an online offer to make your computer run faster might trick you into downloading a file which contains malicious software
  • spyware – malicious software that can steal information like passwords and bank account details, sometimes by monitoring the keys you type on the keyboard

This of course is all very worrying, but the good news is there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your computer from online threats, including:

  • use anti-virus software – there are free and paid versions available, and this can help find, stop and remove viruses from your computer
  • anti-spyware software – helps stop your data from being stolen and can often be bundled together with a reputable anti-virus software package
  • you can find out more about anti-virus software in our Advanced online security courses on Be Connected
  • keeping your internet security software, browsers, system settings and operating systems up to date. These programs can be set to automatically update in the background, so you don't forget. Viruses and malicious software threats change rapidly, so keeping your computer software up to date is essential to help keep yourself safer online
  • renewing annual subscriptions to anti-virus and other protective software in a timely manner
  • keeping up to date on the latest scams and viruses by checking the Australian government's cyber.gov.au and Scamwatch websites.

Other safety tips

You should take extra care not to expose your computer to malicious software by following some basic precautions, including:

  • think twice before opening email attachments or clicking on links in emails, texts or on websites you don't trust. Remember, your bank and government agencies will never write to you asking for your username, password or any other personal identification information.
  • if you receive an email from a friend but it sounds out of character, check with them independently if they really sent it as they might have been hacked. This is especially true for social media posts and messages.
  • search for information about a company's reputation before doing business with them online – particularly if you are purchasing from them.
  • make regular back ups of all your important information on your computer. If your computer does become infected, you will still have access to all your important files.

Use of personal data on the internet

Sometimes it is necessary to provide personal information online, but there are limits to how much information you should share, and remain aware of your rights.

  • Only provide information to legitimate companies if it’s needed to verify your identity.
  • Avoid posting personal information (date of birth, home address and so on) to public forums such as Facebook. Personal information can be used by criminals for identity theft.
  • Laws govern the use of personal information by private companies. In Australia, that is the Privacy Act 1988.
  • The Freedom of Information Act 1982 may apply to information you provide to government bodies.
  • Reputable companies have policies on how they care for personal information. Read their privacy policies on their websites.
  • For further information on consumer rights or up-to-date information on protecting yourself from scams, please visit the ACCC's Consumers web page.

Online payment and encrypted websites

Buying things online can be convenient, and there are some quick checks to help you pay safely:

  • Does the company you’re dealing with have a good reputation? Check the company’s privacy and return policies on its website. Use a search engine to find out more about the company independently from their own website.
  • Purchase using a credit card or PayPal. Both offer some form of buyer protection.
  • Before entering your credit card information into a website, check the address bar on your browser. An encrypted site should be marked with a padlock and the website should start with https:// (not just http://). Encryption keeps the data sent to and from the website hidden from others.

Keeping the family safe online

Children and grandchildren may seem very confident with computers and other devices, but they are less experienced in the world and so are more at risk from:

  • viewing inappropriate material online
  • disclosing their personal information to others online
  • bullying and harassment.

There are things you can do to help protect yourself and your family stay safer online, including:

  • Set up a child's own user account on a computer or device and switch on parental controls
  • Minimise exposure in search engines by adjusting their settings. For Google, turn SafeSearch on. For Yahoo! select Yahoo SafeSearch and set it to Strict. For Bing, turn SafeSearch on.
  • Set YouTube to restricted mode, along with any other video sites.
  • Talk to your child or grandchild about the dangers they could face online.
  • For extensive tips on these and other aspects of online safety for the whole family, visit the eSafety Commissioner's website at https://esafety.gov.au.
beconnected.esafety.gov.au