Research from the eSafety Commissioner shows that most Australian adults are exposed to negative online experiences. In the 12 months to August 2019, almost 70 per cent of adults surveyed had experienced a negative interaction while on the web, including repeated unwanted messages or online contact, hate speech, abuse and threats, viruses and scams.

To curb this and spread awareness, we’re all encouraged to think about our own online activity this ‘Safer Internet Day.’ February 9 has been designated by the eSafety Commissioner as the time for all of us to ‘Start the Chat’ around remaining vigilant when on the internet.

Here at AMP, we’re committed to creating a cyber-aware workforce, resulting in greater client protection. Upcoming addresses to staff will include a speech by Greg Gebhart, one of Australia’s leading online safety presenters.

_{Sensitive financial information remains one of the most lucrative targets for online criminals.}

It is important to remember that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. That’s why we’re also encouraging our clients, and the broader community, to take their own steps to protect their data and identity, especially when it comes to handling sensitive financial information.

“Unfortunately there is an increasing prevalence of cyber-enabled crime targeting our clients,” AMP Cyber Security Awareness Manager Sam Bennett said.

“In today’s increasingly digitally-connected society, we are seeing a more diverse range of threats to our personal information.”

When protecting our identity and remaining safe online, several simple steps can go a long way.

AMP Cyber recommends the following:

1. Set strong passwords and change them often – security experts now recommend you use a ‘passphrase’ rather than just simply a password. Try including 20 characters or so. While this can seem lengthy, a sentence or random mix of words mashed together along with numbers, symbols and upper- and lower-case letters will be a lot harder for hackers to crack. This makes your financial information more secure and means your personal data is far less likely to fall into the wrong hands. Don’t use the same password across all your services or devices!
2. Use a spam filter on your email – Always use a spam filter and do not open or interact with unsolicited messages. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking on email links – even if they are from a friend, family member or colleague. It is often the case that people find themselves compromised because someone trusted has already had their own email compromised.
3. Keep your device’s software up to date – sometimes software updates can pop up at the worst of times. Perhaps you’re in the middle of a Zoom call, or you’re trying to binge-watch your favourite show on Netflix. While it is all too easy to simply close that reminder, make sure you do come back to it. Ensuring the software or operating system on your phone, tablet or computer is up to date can help eliminate security flaws and makes sure you have the very best support in the event something does go wrong.
4. Exercise caution on public Wi-Fi - As data plans become more and more generous, consider giving that Wi-Fi at the shops a miss and stick to using your own data. By connecting to freely available public services, you’re at risk of people monitoring your online activity. This means ‘malware’ (software designed to intentionally disrupt or access your device) could also infect your device and make life very difficult.
5. Monitor your accounts regularly –Keep an eye on your digital presence! This includes bank accounts and your various social media pages. Make sure you have two-factor authentication turned on to help deter anyone from stealing your money or your identity!

“AMP takes the protection of client data seriously and regularly updates its cybersecurity posture, in conjunction with Australian Government advisories and its external cybersecurity providers,” Mr Bennett said.

Young Australians also face complex threats in navigating the online world. Further research by the eSafety Commissioner shows unwanted contact makes up one-third of negative experiences for them when browsing the internet. The Commissioner also found fraud and viruses made up approximately 15%  of the most common negative online experiences for young people.

_{Equipping children with knowledge around digital literacy will help them avoid some of the most common online threats.}

It is more important than ever that children are taught important e-safety tips from a young age, helping them to protect themselves and their assets well into the future.

“Parents, carers, educators, and the general public are increasingly concerned about the online safety of children — including very young children — but feel unsure about how to tackle these important issues head on,” eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, said.

To help parents and carers navigate this tricky issue with the next generation, a new booklet, Online Safety for Under 5s, has been launched to provide critical advice on how to introduce young children to the digital world so that they can mitigate risks and thrive online.

The booklet forms a key part of eSafety’s Early Years program, which was developed under the Commonwealth Government’s $17 million Keeping Children Safe Online package, announced in December 2018.

In addition to starting the chat with young children and school students, there are resources available for starting the chat with family, and friends and in your workplace, and community.

Further information about the event can be found here and we hope you start the chat.

AMP shares the eSafety Commissioner’s vision for a safer and more positive internet experience for all Australians – and especially our clients.