Victorians urged to activate multi-factor authentication

THE Victorian government is encouraging residents to switch on multi-factor authentication to better protect their personal data, finances and online accounts from cybercrime.

The call follows the launch of multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the Service Victoria platform and comes amid growing concerns about online scams and data breaches.

Victorian minister for government services Natalie Hutchins said MFA added a vital layer of protection to important accounts.

“Our message about multi-factor authentication is simple and clear – a strong password, combined with digital proof of identification, is the key to staying safe online,” she said.

MFA requires users to confirm their identity using two or more methods – such as a password, a code sent to a phone, or a fingerprint scan – before gaining access to an account.

Research shows only one in three Victorians currently use MFA, despite more than $42 million being lost to cyber scams last year.

The risk is particularly high for small businesses, many of which remain vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Council of Small Business Organisations Australia CEO Luke Achterstraat said the free, Federal Government-funded Cyber Wardens program was the most important step small businesses could take to start their cyber security journey.

Many small businesses and sole traders in the Surf Coast and Geelong region have graduated from the program.

“Small businesses are increasingly being targeted by online attacks, with cyber criminals casting a wide net to find businesses with weak cyber security processes,” Achterstraat said.

Mr Achterstraat said it was critical that every operator and their team shore up their cyber security.

The government recommends activating MFA on email, social media, banking, and government service accounts, and following prompts from providers when available.