Online shopping is convenient, but risky, and the Government has issued a warning to consumers on the perils of online shopping this Christmas season.Minister for Home Affairs And Justice, Brendan O’Connor, and the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy warned Australians to take some simple precautions while shopping in cyberspace and protect their personal information over the net.
Its cybersecurity website provides information for Australian internet users on what they need to do to protect personal information online.
O’Connor said: “There are precautions that consumers can take to reduce the risk of credit card fraud, such as using anti-virus software and checking credit card statements regularly.”
Simple steps to protect your computer, yourself and your family online this festive season include:
– Shopping at secure websites by researching the merchant before placing an order and saving all transaction details.
– Be wary of seasonal e-cards or emails from suspicious senders, including those described as ‘friend’, misspelled words, or strange and vague subject lines.
– Never click on links in emails from people you don’t know, even from what may appear to be trusted sources. Banks will never ask for personal details such as PINS or passwords by email
– Don’t share your full name, date of birth, address or phone number with people or sites that you don’t know or trust.
– Install security software and update it regularly. Turn on automatic updates so that all your software receives the latest fixes.
– Get a stronger password and change it at least twice a year.
– Keep an eye on what your children are doing online and encourage them to report anything suspicious.
You can also find more information on cybersecurity at www.staysmartonline.gov.au. A booklet entitled “Protecting Yourself Online – What Everyone Needs to Know” is also available from cybersecurity@ag.gov.au
