The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased Australian’s dependence on the internet. This reliance has also led to an increase in opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit vulnerable targets. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, over the 2020-21 financial year there has been a 13% increase in cybercrime reports from the previous year, with losses totalling more than $33 billion.*

We know cybercrime is a real threat to all Australians, which is why it is important that we all do what we can to keep our data, systems and devices safe.

We ask you to please check the sender address on all correspondence you receive, and never click on a link you are unsure of. Here are a few simple steps we recommend to help keep you cyber-safe:

What you can do to protect your personal information

• Install anti-virus software on all your devices and regularly update the software
• Never give out your personal information over the phone unless you have properly identified the caller
• Use a strong password or unique passphrase and activate two-factor authentication where possible
• Remember that we will not ask you to perform financial transactions over the phone
• Don’t share your personal information or whereabouts on social media
• Let us know if you see an email from us that you think is a scam

*Source: ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021
www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/acsc-annual-cyber-threat-report-july-2020-june-2021/

This publication is prepared by Actuate Alliance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 40 083 233 925, AFSL 240959) (‘Actuate’), a member of the Insignia Financial group of companies (‘Insignia Financial Group’). The information in this publication is general only and has not been tailored to individual circumstances. Before acting on this publication, you should assess your own circumstances or seek personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. This publication is current as at the date of issue but may be subject to change or be superseded by future publications. In some cases, the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed that the information is accurate and reliable, the accuracy of that information is not guaranteed in any way. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and it should not be relied on for any investment decision. Whilst care has been taken in preparing the content, no liability is accepted by any member of the Insignia Financial group, nor their agents or employees for any errors or omissions in this publication, and/or losses or liabilities arising from any reliance on this document. This publication is not available for distribution outside Australia and may not be passed on to any third person without the prior written consent of Actuate.