Cyber threats are real and can happen to you

It is not a case of “it will never happen to me”. It can. Hackers and cyber-criminals can do amazing things with access to everything on your device or your personal credentials which can take a massive toll on your personal and professional life.

If you are thinking “why would they bother with me? I’m invisible.” well, you’re right – they don’t care about you, they just care about the doors that you open to them with your information. And you’re not invisible. Especially with all that information you freely share about yourself online. 

The potential costs to you (and others) of being hacked:

• You could find all your data has been deleted or encrypted and held for ransom.
• The University network could be locked down – stopping staff and students from being able to work – and requiring millions of dollars and weeks or months to fix.
• You could lose access to your banking and social media accounts.
• Your identity could be stolen
  • Loans and credit cards may be opened in your name (which you are held legally liable for) – imagine discovering that you owe hundreds of thousands of dollars and are legally required to pay it back?.
  • Your credit record could be tarnished.
  • Unauthorised purchases may be billed to you.
  • You may become a victim of tax fraud.
  • You may be locked out of apps and web-based services, forever!! (Losing family photos, thesis papers etc. Do you have these backed up??).
• Your electronic devices may be used as a tool of cyber-crime (sending spam or spreading malware).
• You could suffer damage to your personal reputation, career opportunities, and relationships.
• You could be used as a conduit to other cyber-crimes and criminal activities (including possible sex trafficking, child exploitation, money laundering, terrorism, etc).
• You could be used as a cover for cyber-bullying or exploitation.
• You could be exposed to increased risk of mental health issues, self-harm/suicide (due to emotional fall out of being a victim of crime).

So, can you afford to say “it will never happen to me”?

CYBER THREATS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU!!! 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! 

Read more:

How to spot a phishing scam

The life and times of your passwords

Getting started with cyber security