Cyber ​​security is important for everyone. With online attacks, scams and fraud on the rise, learn how to protect yourself online. This is a must-read for B2B marketing leaders.

According to ScamWatch, Australians lost more than $2 billion to scams last year. And according to Stuff, New Zealanders have lost more than $69.8 million over the past five years. It’s important to follow these three important steps to keep yourself safe online. 1. Use strong passwords, 2. Be vigilant and 3. Report attacks, scams and fraud.

Be alert

If it seems too good to be true or if something feels a little different, it probably is. Don’t let anyone pressure you. Ask questions and research – Use a reputable website you trust to check the legitimacy of the company or person. See the resources below for more information.

Types of scams to look out for

With the development of internet and related technologies, online scams have also increased. While fraudsters’ tactics are constantly evolving, here are some of the main types of online scams that are consistently seen:

• Job and employment scams: Often fake job offers to “work from home”, where the victim may be asked to pay for training, materials or even a fake job.
• Phishing scams: This involves sending fake emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources such as banks or popular online services. The aim is to trick recipients into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details.
• Tech support scams: Scammers claim to be from reputable tech companies, warning victims about a fake virus or technical problem on their computer. They either trick the victim into paying for unnecessary tech support services or installing malicious software.
• Lottery or prize scams: Victims receive messages saying they have won a large sum of money or a prize, but must first send a fee or provide personal details to receive it.
• Online shopping and auction scams: Scammers set up fake online stores or auction listings only to not deliver the purchased item or deliver fake or poor quality items.
• Investment scams: These promise high returns on low-risk investments. Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes are two common types.
• Romance scams: Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social networks to form a relationship with the victim, eventually persuading them to send money, often with a sad story or fake emergency.
• Rental scams: Fake rental listings are created, where the scammer attempts to obtain a deposit or rent payment before the potential renter realises the property is not available or does not exist.
• Fake antivirus software: Pop-ups warn users that their computer is infected and offer to sell them antivirus software, which is itself malware.
• Cryptocurrency scams: These can include Ponzi schemes, fake ICOs (initial coin offerings), and phishing attempts to steal cryptocurrencies under the guise of investment opportunities.
• Gift card scams: Scammers convince victims to buy gift cards and then provide the codes as payment.
• Social media scams: These can include “clickbait” links leading to malicious sites, fake celebrity endorsements, or impersonating friends or family to ask for money.
• Tax-related scams: Pretending to be tax agencies, scammers claim the victim owes money and threaten legal action if it is not paid immediately.
• Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts the victim’s data, and the scammer demands payment (usually in cryptocurrency) to unlock it.

It’s important to remember that scammers are always up to new tricks. Staying informed and exercising caution online, especially when dealing with unsolicited communications or too-good-to-be-true offers, is key to avoiding becoming a victim.

What do phishing attacks look like?

• They can contact you via WhatsApp, social media, email or text message.
• They can advertise the links that appear in your search results and take you to a fake website that looks like the real site.
• They can trick you into thinking they are legitimate by using a big brand name, logo, and/or artwork.
• They may send you to unusual pages that use colors, fonts, or images that you wouldn’t normally see on the original website.
• They may come from a suspicious email address or have a misleading domain name (URL) that looks like a real name.
• They may claim that there is a problem with your account and ask you to visit a fake website that looks like the real one.
• If you’re ever unsure about a link displayed in an email or Internet search result, don’t click on it. Instead of clicking on a link or ad, browse by typing it into your browser’s URL bar.

Use strong passwords

• Use a password generator – G2 has ranked the best password generators here.
• Never use the same password – it’s easy when you use a password generator.
• Never share passwords – Never send an email, text or password without asking.
• Use hard-to-guess passwords – upper and lower case, numbers and symbols
• Always use 2-factor authentication – both Google and Microsoft have options.

Report attacks, scams and fraud

When you see, or are a victim of, an attack, scam or fraud, report it.  We have included links in the resource list below that can help you.

Have you been hacked?

ACSC’s ‘Have You Been Hacked?’ Launched the tool. This tool will help you figure out if you’ve been hacked, walk you through several scenarios and advise you on how to best respond to the situation.

Scenarios include ransomware attacks, malware threats, email compromise and identity theft, as well as phishing and fake website scams.

The tool is easy to use and includes common warning signs, scenario descriptions, and easy-to-follow steps to correct the situation.

Now is the right time to protect yourself online. If you’re interested in receiving cyber alerts, join the ACSC Partnership Program and help others stay safe, too.