Increasing number of Aussies fear becoming victim of a cyber attack after COVID-19
Exclusive: Two-thirds of Australians say they are worried about becoming the victim of a cyber attack after spending vastly more time online since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New findings from McAfee's 2021 Consumer Security Mindset Report found most Australians fear their financial data could be stolen while 65 per cent were concerned their social media accounts could be hacked.
The report, which profiled the views of 1000 Australian adults, found older citizens were the most worried about having their banking details hacked, but were also the most disciplined in online hygiene compared to younger Australians.
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New findings from McAfee's 2021 Consumer Security Mindset Report found most Australians fear their financial data could be stolen while 65 per cent of us were concerned our social media accounts could be hacked. AAP
During the worst of the pandemic – when traditional face-to-face services such as banking were muted – almost half of 55- to 74-year-olds surveyed said they started using digital tools for the first time.
Concerningly, an overwhelming majority of respondents said they had "never" considered how much their online data would be worth to a cyber criminal.
Terry Hicks, EVP of McAfee's Consumer Business, told 9news.com.au avoiding criminals online was about creating habits that made clicking dodgy links or shopping on suspicious sites less likely.
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Some of the most effective scams come in the form of phone calls. Getty
"The first step in protecting ourselves is realising that there's a lot we can do to stay safe online and to preserve our digital wellness," Mr Hicks said.
"It's better to prevent a problem then be in a position of having to fix it. We can always work on our own safe online habits – from the apps we install, to the websites we click on, to the emails we open.
"Making this shift in our mindset and behaviours is a necessity in protecting what we value most- our privacy and identity- giving us all much needed peace of mind."
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In 2020 alone, Australians lost more than $176 million to online scams. AAP
Data from Scamwatch, Australia's regulator-run cybercrime tracker, shows that in 2020 alone Australians lost more than $176 million to online scams.
Even more frightening is that these are only the reported losses, with many victims unlikely to come forward due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge that they were swindled.
According to Scamwatch, if you think you've sent money or shared confidential details with a scammer, it's best to call your bank as soon as possible.
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Police have warned of increased scam activity over the holidays. AAP
"If you've sent money or shared your banking details with a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately," Scamwatch advises.
"They may be able to stop a transaction, or close your account if the scammer has your account details.
"Your credit card provider may be able to perform a 'charge back' (reverse the transaction) if your credit card was billed fraudulently."
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
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