Protect yourself with cyber safety check

A NEW cyber safety check tool has been launched by the State Government as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month in a bid to provide a new way for people to protect themselves online.

The tool, which is now available via the Service Victoria app, asks users questions about their online behaviour and habits such as creating strong passwords and using multi-factor authentication.

Once the user completes the check, they’re given tailored advice on how to improve their cyber safety habits.

The government also launched a password strength tester in May for Victorians to test their passwords and receive advice on how to make them stronger.

So far nearly 45,000 passwords have been tested through this tool.

Research shows that only 39 per cent of people are using strong passwords, only 33 per cent have multi-factor authentication turned on and just 48 per cent have enabled automatic updates.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 22 per cent of businesses reported experiencing a cyber security incident(s) during the year ended 30 June 2022, compared to eight per cent for the year ended 30 June 2020.

Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams said knowing how to keep your personal information secure is essential, and assessing your current cyber safety knowledge is the first step.

“We’ve made the cyber safety check and password strength tester available on the Service Victoria App – they are safe, secure and easy to use,” she said.

For further information visit vic.gov.au/stay-safe-online.