Australians lost close to 3 million dollars to hacking scams in 2022, don’t let it be you next.
Hacking scams have been widely reported of late with high-profile incidents leaking millions of customers personal information. This has left people feeling very concerned about the safety of their data. Hacking occurs when a scammer gains access to your personal information via devices such as your computer, mobile or network. It is scary when hacking occurs, and your sensitive information gets into the wrong hands. Not only can hacking feel violating, but it can also leave you vulnerable to a multitude of problems.
Some of the more common hacking scams include malware and ransomware—this is where scammers trick you into installing software that gives them access to your computer and all your files. Ransomware is where a scammer demands payment to unlock your computer or files. Both situations cause a lot of stress for the person involved.
Exploiting security weaknesses is another commonly used method whereby a scammer seeks out a weakness, which could be out-of-date anti-virus software, easily guessed passwords, or reused passwords and unsecured Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. They use these weaknesses to hack into your device or accounts. Regardless of the way a scammer obtains access to your device, it is bad news.
Most people have received a text or email prompting them to update their account details. Being asked to update or change personal details via text, email, or phone should be handled with great caution. In many cases, it is a scammer trying to get access to your personal information. A scammer may also use phishing emails, spam emails or even fake websites to trick you into disclosing your personal information. Once a scammer has access to your data or device, they may try to steal your money or open credit cards in your name, request new pins, or purchase things with your money to name a few. In some cases, the scammer will try to sell your information to others for malicious purposes.
"At BankVic we are committed to protecting our member’s sensitive information, if you believe your online banking password has been compromised, change it immediately via internet banking and inform us right away."
- Your computer is slow and/or you notice new icons on your screen.
- Files have been removed or deleted on your computer.
- You are unable to log in to your device, personal account, or online account.
- Pop-up boxes start appearing on your screen offering to fix a problem.
- You notice amounts of money go missing from
- Always keep your computer up-to-date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and make sure to apply regular updates and conduct scans.
- Furthermore, make sure you purchase anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- Use strong passwords for each account and do not duplicate across accounts, use two-factor authentication where possible.
- Use secure networks and devices and avoid using public WIFI or hotspots when dealing with sensitive information.
- Do not open links or attachments in emails or social media messages you have received from strangers.
- Be wary of free downloads and website access—they may install harmful programs without you knowing.
- Be vigilant against phishing—be alert when a new email or text message arrives with a link or attachment—do not open any links and delete it.
Another thing that you could consider is managing your digital footprint, this process involves taking steps like deleting old accounts or apps you do not use. It also involves reviewing your privacy settings on social media and using privacy tools such as anti-tracking tools.
If you think you are a victim of hacking, notify your financial institution immediately and change all your passwords. You can lodge a report with the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s ReportCyber. You can also run a virus scan to identify and remove malware. Lastly, spread the word about scams to your friends and family.
