THE Victorian government is encouraging residents to switch on multi-factor authentication to better protect their personal data, finances and online accounts from cybercrime.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Victorian minister for government services Natalie Hutchins said MFA added a vital layer of protection to important accounts.<\/p>\n
“Our message about multi-factor authentication is simple and clear \u2013 a strong password, combined with digital proof of identification, is the key to staying safe online,” she said.<\/p>\n
MFA requires users to confirm their identity using two or more methods \u2013 such as a password, a code sent to a phone, or a fingerprint scan \u2013 before gaining access to an account.<\/p>\n
Research shows only one in three Victorians currently use MFA, despite more than $42 million being lost to cyber scams last year.<\/p>\n
The risk is particularly high for small businesses, many of which remain vulnerable to cyber attacks.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Many small businesses and sole traders in the Surf Coast and Geelong region have graduated from the program.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Mr Achterstraat said it was critical that every operator and their team shore up their cyber security.<\/p>\n
The government recommends activating MFA on email, social media, banking, and government service accounts, and following prompts from providers when available.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n