Scouts Victoria - Be Cyber Safe

1. Email Spoofing, Spam and Phishing

Don’t Be Fooled – Recognise and Handle Spoofing, Spam and Phishing

As a volunteer for Scouts Victoria, ensuring your own cyber safety should be of utmost importance.

Regrettably, email is frequently utilised by cybercriminals to spread malware, phishing scams, and other harmful material to unsuspecting individuals.

Usually, these assaults appear in the form of an email with an attachment, a message that entices the recipient to click on a link, or other illegal content.

Phishing attacks

Phishing scams are a prevalent type of cybercrime, where the attacker sends emails that appear to be from a trustworthy brand or individual,using psychological manipulation to create a sense of urgency and fool the recipient into clicking on a harmful link or downloading a malicious attachment.

These links or attachments often direct the user to websites that collect sensitive information or install malware on their device. Being informed helps you avoid falling victim to these common tactics.

Beware: Impersonation Scam Alert!

In this example, even though the email appears to be from Rod Byrnes, the email address clearly does not belong to him. This is an example of what you need to be aware of.

Email threats are common, but you can protect yourself by understanding what to look for:

Check Sender Details: Verify the sender’s email address and look for any discrepancies.
Handle Spam Wisely: Don’t respond to or forward suspicious emails. Don’t click on any links or download any files from people you don’t know or trust.

2. Social Media Security

Keeping It Private – Smart Social Media Practices

In today's digital age, social media is a great tool for staying connected. However, it's important to keep your personal information safe. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

Think Before You Share: Before posting anything, consider who will see it and how it could be perceived.
Adjust Your Privacy Settings: Make sure your profiles are set to private, and be cautious about who you accept as a friend or follower.
Be Skeptical: Not everyone who requests to connect is who they claim to be. Verify identities when unsure.

Stay safe and think privacy first!

3. Secure Device Practices

Protect Your Devices – Essential Tips for Every Scout

Your devices are gateways to your personal and professional life. Here’s how to keep them secure:

Install Protective Software: Always have reliable anti-virus and anti-malware software installed.
Keep Software Updated: Regular updates help protect against the latest threats.
Encrypt Sensitive Data: Use encryption tools to protect data, especially on portable devices.

Remember, a secure device is your first line of defense!

4. Recognising and Reporting Suspicious Activity

See Something, Say Something – Reporting Suspicious Activity

Staying vigilant is key in combating cyber threats. Here’s what to do if you encounter suspicious activity:

Recognise Suspicious Emails: Be wary of unexpected requests for personal information.
Report Immediately: Contact our IT team if you suspect any suspicious activity, no matter how small.
Cultivate Awareness: Encourage open discussions about security incidents to learn and improve.

Your vigilance is crucial in keeping Scouts Victoria safe!

5. Safe Internet Browsing

Surf Safely – Best Practices for Internet Browsing

Navigating the internet securely is vital. Here are tips to ensure safe browsing:

Secure Sites Only: Look for HTTPS in the URL to ensure the site is secure.
Avoid Unknown Downloads: Never download files from suspicious websites.
Use Ad Blockers: Consider ad blockers to prevent malicious ads from loading.

Safe browsing habits are essential for online security.

6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Double the Security – Enable MFA Today!

Adding an extra layer of security is simple with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Here’s why and how:

Extra Security Layer: MFA requires more than just a password, making unauthorised access harder.
Easy Setup: Enable MFA on your accounts where available. Our IT team can assist if needed.

Secure your accounts with MFA for peace of mind!

7. Data Backup

Backup to Step Up – Your Safety Net Against Data Loss

Data loss can be stressful, but having backups can be a lifesaver:

Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups to an external drive or cloud service.
Test Your Backups: Ensure that your backups work by testing them periodically.

Backing up your data gives you a reliable safety net.

8. Ransomware Awareness

Ransomware – Don’t Let Your Data Be Held Hostage

Ransomware can cripple your digital life. Protect yourself by:

Avoid Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links from unknown sources.
Keep Software Updated: This reduces vulnerabilities that ransomware could exploit.
Install Protective Software: Always have reliable anti-virus and anti-malware software installed.

Understanding and preparing for ransomware is key to protecting your data.

9. Physical Security

Beyond the Screen – Physical Security Tips

Physical security is just as important as online:

Lock Your Devices: Always lock your devices when not in use.
Secure Your Devices: Use security cables or keep them in a secure place when unattended.

Physical security complements your cyber safety efforts.

10. Regular Security Audits

Stay Secure – Conduct Regular Updates and Patching

Regular security audits help identify and fix vulnerabilities:

Check for Vulnerabilities: Regularly review your security settings and practices.
Update and Patch: Ensure all systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches.

A proactive approach to security audits can greatly enhance your cyber resilience.

By following these guidelines, you can actively contribute to safeguarding yourself and Scouts Victoria from the harm caused by phishing scams and other email-related cyber dangers. Maintain awareness and take care of your security.

If you’d like to know more, the Australian Cyber Security Centre has a guide on how you can take action to protect yourself from ever-evolving cyber threats.