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Act now and stay secure

10 June 2025
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Learn how to be safer online

As we all spend more time online, on our phones or computers, Australians are vulnerable to cyber attacks. 

There are some things that you can do to protect yourself online. 

Passphrases

Use a unique and strong passphrase for your online accounts to help stay secure online. A passphrase is a more secure password. It contains a sequence of random words. They are easier for you to remember but harder for cybercriminals to guess. 

To be unique and strong, passphrases should: 

  • have 4 or more random words  
  • contain 15 or more characters
  • are different for every account
  • do not include identifying information such as family names, birthdates or addresses
  • include symbols, capital letters, or numbers

You might want to use a password manager for creating and storing your unique passphrases. 

Software updates

Installing software updates for all of your devices, like your phone or computer, is important to keeping yourself secure online. Installing updates will keep your devices secure and makes it harder for cybercriminals to access them. You can turn on automatic updates and should be sure to install them when prompted. 

Multi-actor authentication

Turn on multi-factor authentication if it’s available to add an extra layer of security to all of your online accounts. Multi-factor authentication requires two or more verification methods to log into your account. 

For example, after entering your password or passphrase, you will be asked to provide a second verification such as entering a code sent to you via an email or text. Multi-factor authentication protects your account even if your passphrase is compromised. 

Learn how to identify a scam 

Scammers deceive people into paying money or providing their personal information. Never give money or personal information to anyone if you are not certain who you are dealing with. Check by contacting the person or organisation using details you find yourself from an official website or app. 

Learn more steps to protect yourself at www.actnowstaysecure.gov.au