Wilson’s Story

My name is Wilson and I run a small café. Like any small business, I do a lot of promotion on social media.

A few years ago, I noticed a $2,000 charge on my bank account. I realised someone had hacked into my business’s social media page and accessed my saved payment details. I contacted the bank straight away to have the money returned, but it got worse. The hackers gained complete control of my business social media account, and I lost access. I was panicking because this page is how I connected with customers and promoted my business. I also had to tell my customers about what had happened so they wouldn't be misled by anything the hackers wrote.

For months, I tried regaining access to my page without success. I had to set up a whole new page, which was heartbreaking after the years I had dedicated to building my business’s presence online. 

After this incident, my view on cyber security completely changed. I now realise cyber security is not just for big corporations. It’s just as important for individuals and small businesses. I now use unique and strong passphrases for all my accounts and add multi-factor authentication as another layer of security. I have also learned that it’s important to install all software updates to fix weaknesses or gaps in my device’s security, making it harder for cybercriminals to hack. My biggest piece of advice for everyone is don't wait for an incident to happen. Take action now to learn how to protect yourself online.

End Frame:
Take action now to reduce your risk:

• Always set up multi-factor authentication where available
• Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account – at least 15 characters
• Install all software updates to keep your devices secure

Learn more at actnowstaysecure.gov.au 
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Nadia’s Story

Hi, Iʼm Nadia. I work at a local council and love meeting people in the community. A while ago, I experienced a cyber attack that completely shook me. 

I had just started using social media and didn’t know much about privacy settings. Someone took advantage of this and made a fake account using my identity and pictures. They started using this account to post extremely inappropriate content, and to blackmail me for money. 

I was stressed I would lose my money and terrified that people would think it was me making these posts. It could have been so damaging to my reputation in my community, at work, and basically anyone who knew me. I remember feeling sick to my stomach. 

So, my close friends reported this account, but it took a few months to get it taken down. The stress and the embarrassment I felt during that period stayed with me for years. That experience made me realise how easy it is for your information to get into the wrong hands and the damage it can cause. 

I am much more careful now about what I share online. I only connect with close family and friends on social media, and make sure my privacy settings are strict. It’s so important to protect yourself online, and look at resources to learn how to keep your information secure, such as actnowstaysecure.gov.au.

End Frame:

Take action now to reduce your risk:

• Always set up multi-factor authentication where available
• Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account – at least 15 characters
• Install all software updates to keep your devices secure

Learn more at actnowstaysecure.gov.au 
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Priya’s Story

Hi, I’m Priya. I’m passionate about Indian classical music and dance.

A few years ago, my personal data was exposed in an online data breach. At a similar time, I noticed withdrawals from my bank account that I did not make. I contacted my bank and they locked my account so no more money could be withdrawn. Unfortunately, a transfer I’d sent to my family in India for urgent medical expenses was also cancelled. I felt anxious and frustrated knowing they needed the money straight away.

I was stressed for a while after and kept wondering if any of my other data that was leaked in the breach could be misused. From then on, I became extra cautious online. I also started having conversations about being safe online with my friends and family.

I now make sure to use unique and strong passphrases of at least 15 characters for my online accounts. To add another layer of security, I also use multi-factor authentication so that even if someone gets access to my passphrase, they can't simply access my account. To keep my devices secure, I always install software updates as soon as I get the notification. I give the same advice to my family and friends.

End Frame:

Take action now to reduce your risk:

• Always set up multi-factor authentication where available
• Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account – at least 15 characters
• Install all software updates to keep your devices secure

Learn more at actnowstaysecure.gov.au 
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Cybercrime Stories

Wilson: I run a small café and I do a lot of promotion online. So, when cybercriminals took over my café’s social media page, I was completely shocked.

Priya: My personal information was exposed in an online data breach. It was really stressful.

Nadia: Someone hacked my social media account and made a fake profile using my identity, and then posted extremely inappropriate content and blackmailed me for money. I was terrified that people would think I was the one making these posts, and it could be damaging to my reputation.

Wilson: My saved payment details had been stolen. I nearly lost $2,000 because of this cyber attack. I had spent a lot of time building that page for the business. It was heartbreaking to lose it.  

Priya: I noticed withdrawals on my bank account that I didn’t make. I immediately contacted my bank, but it was a stressful process to secure my account and get my money back. I kept wondering what else might be out there? My ID, my address, my credit card details. Could someone use my identity to target others?

Wilson: I always thought cyber security was more of a concern for big corporations, but now I know how important it is for every person to be cyber aware. Since then, I have been focusing on making sure my online accounts are as secure as possible by using unique and strong passphrases. 

Nadia: I make sure they are strong by using at least 15 characters. Not using personal details like my names, birthdate, or address.

Priya: I always update the software on my devices as soon as I see the notification. The same thing with using multi-factor authentication where available. Now I know what online actions make me safer. I feel much more secure going about my life online.

Nadia: It isn't something to be ashamed of. It’s important to speak up, talk to others, and take the steps to make sure it doesn't happen again.

End Frame:

Take action now to reduce your risk:

• Always set up multi-factor authentication where available
• Use a unique and strong passphrase on every account – at least 15 characters
• Install all software updates to keep your devices secure

Learn more at actnowstaysecure.gov.au 
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.