Cyber security is everyone's business

October is Australia's annual Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this year, the theme is Cyber security is everyone's business. 

Whether in the office or at home, we all must do our part to protect our shared and personal digital spaces.

The Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) leads national efforts to enhance cybersecurity, offering a range of resources for cyber awareness, including guides, fact sheets, and interactive tools that help individuals and organisations safeguard against cyber threats. Additionally, the ACSC regularly publishes alerts and advisories on current cyber risks to keep the public informed and prepared.

For this year's cyber awareness month, ACSC has highlighted four simple steps to improve your awareness around cyber security with resources to further your knowledge.

Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on personal devices

Adding multiple layers of security through MFA makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts, even if they have some of your credentials or your password. By enabling MFA, you greatly enhance the security of your devices, applications, and online services.

Discover more about the importance of MFA.

Keep your devices and software updated

Regular updates ensure your systems are protected from the latest threats, keeping your data secure. Cybercriminals often exploit known weaknesses in outdated systems or apps to hack devices. Updates not only fix these vulnerabilities but can also introduce new features or performance improvements. Make sure automatic updates are turned on so your devices stay up to date without you having to do anything.

Find out more why keeping your devices updated is so important.

Use strong and unique passwords

A passphrase or unique password significantly enhances your defences, making it difficult for attackers to break in. While making a password, aim for at least 14 charters of length, which are unpredictable and unique across your numerous accounts.

Explore ways to strengthen your passwords and manage them effectively.

Recognise and report phishing

Cyber threats send you fraudulent emails or text messages, pretending to be large organisations you know or trust. They usually make their messages urgent to elicit a reactive response when seeing the urgency. Phishing can result in the loss of information and money or identity theft, as they steal your online banking logins, credit card details, or passwords. Be aware of suspicious links and emails.

Discover the different types of phishing scams and how to spot them.


Cyber security doesn't have to be complicated. Small steps can make a big difference in securing your personal and professional data.  Have a conversation with your family, friends, and colleagues about cyber safety.