Beware of malware this October

Malware poses a significant threat as it can quietly harvest logins, passwords, contacts and financial details from your device. This can be especially dangerous with devices used for both work and personal use.  

Concerningly, this sort of malicious cyber activity is on the rise. In FY2024–25, there was an 83% increase in notifications from the Australian Cyber Security Centre to Australian organisations warning of potentially malicious cyber activity. Almost half of those incidents were associated with either malware or ransomware.

ID Support has the following advice on how to avoid downloading malware and stay secure online this Malware Monday: 

• Never give a third-party access to your device and avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-up ads. 

• Use hard-to-guess passwords or passcodes. Regularly update your passwords and use the free Password Strength Tester to evaluate how tough your password is to crack. 

• Use biometrics and encryption where available and avoid connecting to public or free Wi-Fi. 

• Register for ID Support’s Malware Monday webinar for more information infostealer malware and protecting your device. 

• Call ID Support NSW on 1800 001 040 if you need guidance or believe your personal information has been compromised. 

   

Get support

If you believe your personal information has been stolen, used, breached or accessed without your knowledge or consent, contact ID Support NSW. To receive personalised guidance from one of our team, call 1800 001 040. Advisors are available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Interpreter services are available.

More information

For more practical steps on protecting your identity, visit ID Support NSW’s Learn Hub: Learn to protect your identity | NSW Government 

Information about ID Support NSW events, as well how to book your own local ID Support NSW assistance event, is available on the ID Support NSW events webpage.