From staying in touch with loved ones to accessing personal information, many aspects of daily lives are impacted by digital technology, which makes staying safe online more important than ever.
In 2025 alone, Australians have experienced financial losses totalling more than $48 million from roughly 25,000 scams reported to ScamWatch.
This Cyber Security Awareness Month, the NSW government is reminding everyone to keep information secure and stay safe online by following these three steps:
- 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).
ID Support NSW is hosting an online webinar on 13 October for ‘Malware Monday’ exploring the rising threat of information stealing malware and share practical tips on how to secure your devices.
Information about other ID Support NSW events, as well how to book a local ID Support NSW assistance event, is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/events.
Jacki Muir, Director ID Support NSW, said, ‘The reality is online safety requires constant vigilance, but with a few simple steps you can stay ahead of cybercriminals.
‘Strong passphrases, regularly updating your device, turning on multi-factor authentication and always thinking before you click can keep you safe from those looking to take what is yours,’ she said.
‘This Cyber Security Awareness Month we are urging the public to think about how secure they are online and to revisit any safety protocols that may be out of date.’
Digital inclusion
The NSW government says it’s committed to the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, which is designed to address the challenges faced by vulnerable and disadvantaged communities when interacting online through community cyber security and privacy training.
Consultation on the strategy revealed more than 80 per cent of respondents had experienced online scams, privacy breaches or harassment, with at-risk groups disproportionally affected.
For more information to help you take these key steps, please see the Act Now Stay Secure website: https://www.actnowstaysecure.gov.au/cybermonth2025.
If you have experienced suspicious contact or activity, you can make a report to ReportCyber here: https://www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report.
If you believe your personal information has been stolen, used or accessed without knowledge or consent, contact ID Support NSW on 1800 001 040.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
