Cyber threats are an ongoing risk in our increasingly digital world. However, small, proactive steps can make a significant impact in reducing your exposure to these risks.
Cyber Security Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to reflect on your online practices, take action to safeguard your devices, and strengthen the security of your accounts.
Protecting yourself online isn’t hard. This #CyberMonth2025, there are simple actions you, your family, friends and colleagues can take to improve your cyber security.
The theme for Cyber Security Awareness Month 2025 is building our cyber safe culture and we are encouraging you to prioritise cyber security by taking these actions:
- Install all software updates to keep your devices secure.
- Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account.
- Always set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Making cyber security a routine practice is essential. Just as you would fasten a seatbelt or lock a door, embedding these behaviours into everyday life protects both your personal and professional digital environments.
How to help build our cyber safe culture
1. Install all software updates to keep your devices secure
Why: Installing regular updates will keep your devices secure and makes it harder for cybercriminals to access them.
How:
- Make sure that automatic updates are switched on so that you are notified when an update is available.
- Install software updates as soon as you are prompted.
Learn more about how to update your devices at Cyber.gov.au.
2. Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account
Why: A passphrase is a more secure version of a password. Passphrases are hard for cybercriminals to crack, but easy for you to remember.
How: Create passphrases that are:
- long: 15 or more characters
- unpredictable: use 4 or more random words and avoid identifying information such as family names, birth dates or addresses
- unique: are different for every account.
- Example: RiverTigerLampOrange!
Password managers can help you create, manage and store passwords for each of your accounts. Learn about choosing a reputable password manager.
Tip: Combining a unique and strong passphrase with multi-factor authentication where possible will provide an extra layer of security.
More information about creating strong passphrases is available at Cyber.gov.au.
3. Always set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Why: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires two or more proofs of identity to log in to your account. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain initial access to your account.
How:
- Turn on MFA where available.
- Use MFA on your most important accounts (such as online banking and email accounts).
Learn more about how to turn on multi-factor authentication at Cyber.gov.au.
What to do if you have been impacted
If you believe you may have fallen victim to a scam, fraud or cybercrime, it’s important to notify your financial institution as soon as possible.
Australian Mutual Bank members can speak to our Fraud Team by calling 13 61 91 (Monday to Friday 8:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am - 11:30am, Sydney time) or by emailing info@australianmutual.bank.
Seek support from IDCARE (a free government-funded service) who can help you develop a response plan to limit the damage. IDCARE will never contact you out of the blue.
Beware of follow up scams, particularly ones promising to help you get your money back. One in three victims of a scam have been scammed more than once according to Scamwatch.
If you or someone you know has been impacted and may need ongoing help, there are support services available. These avenues of support are available to help, listen and believe.
For more advice on how to avoid scams, visit the Scamwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au.
Customer-owned banks are dedicated to safeguarding their customers from scams and fraud. Find out more about the banking industry’s Scam-Safe Accord here, an initiative that represents a united front against scammers and reinforces the banking sector's determination to strengthen consumer protection.
Source:
https://www.actnowstaysecure.gov.au/cybermonth2025
Any advice or information in this article does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you.
