Reflecting on 2024 Cyber Security Awareness Month
As we close out 2024’s Cyber Security Awareness Month, we reflect on the importance of being aware that “Cyber Security is everyone’s business”, we all have a part to play in securing our digital interactions.
The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD ACSC) and Home Affairs content we’ve shared throughout October, recommends four simple steps to significantly boost your cyber security:
- Turn on multi-factor authentication to add another layer of protection to your accounts.
- Update your devices and software. Regular updates ensure you have the latest security in place.
- Use passphrases to boost the security of your accounts. Passphrases use four or more random words. Don’t compromise your accounts by re-using the same passwords or passphrases. Consider using a password manager to help you generate or store passwords.
- Report suspicious activity and phishing to protect your accounts and to keep others safe from similar scams.
These tips are the basics to protect yourself, your workplace, family, and friends - cyber criminals do not take a break. They are constantly thinking of new ways to execute their crimes.
As technology advances, we all need to remain aware of our digital interactions and latest advice on how to maintain up-to-date cyber security habits.
How do I stay up to date?
I encourage you all to think critically with a healthy skepticism.
It is ok to ask questions and slow down, just a little bit, to double check information or before you click a link.
Do not disclose or input personal, official, sensitive, classified or health information before checking it is a legitimate site or business.
Talk to your colleagues, family, and friends about what their cyber security habits are. Normalising cyber security as a conversation topic, helps us all stay aware and informed about the latest threats or security tips.
Remain vigilant, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, always fact check information – not one single person knows all the details or answers.
Seek advice from official sources or if at work, from your privacy or cyber security team if you are unsure about where to find guidance.
Yes, awareness month has finished – however, it is crucial that cyber security awareness and habits are a consistent part of our everyday routine, protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be hard… “Cyber security is everyone’s business”.
Rob Champion
Useful links
- Australian Signals Directorate Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD ACSC) – leads the Australian Government's efforts on cyber security by providing proactive advice and assistance
- ASD ACSC webpage – resources to protect yourself, resources and tools including the latest alerts and advisories.
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – the independent national regulator for privacy and freedom of information
- ScamWatch – up-to-date information to help you spot and avoid scams, with reports about scams to help warn others and take action to stop scams.
- eSafety - empowering all Australians to have safer, more positive online experiences
- Queensland Government Cyber Security hub – information for individuals, business, and government employees
National Cyber Security Coordinator social media links
Michelle McGuinness updates her content and has posted videos throughout Cyber Security Awareness month
@aucyberseccoord 
@aucyberseccoord