Skip to main content

Staying safe in the digital world: a guide to online safety and cyber security

Online safety doesn’t have to be complicated. By enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and practicing smart habits, you’re already ahead of the curve.
5 min read
Published on 27 Nov, 2025

Think of your online safety as digital hygiene - small steps that can help to keep your online life clean, secure, and stress-free.

Today, being online is second nature. We shop, bank, work, and socialise through digital platforms, often without a second thought. But as our digital footprint grows, so do the risks. Cyber security isn’t just for tech experts; it’s for everyone.

Why online safety matters

Every click, swipe, and tap can expose us to threats like scams, identity theft, and harmful content. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated, using fake websites, phishing emails, and malware to steal personal information or money. And it’s not just adults who are at risk - children and teens are increasingly vulnerable to online harm.

Cyber security vs cyber safety

Understanding the difference helps us protect both our devices and ourselves:

  • Cyber security focuses on technical and organisational measures to protect your data, devices, and systems. Think antivirus software, firewalls, and strong passwords.
  • Cyber safety is about safe behaviours, awareness and practices to protect people from online harm — like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or scams targeting vulnerable users.

Shopping smart online

Online shopping is convenient, but it’s also a hotspot for scams. Here’s some things that can help you to stay safe:

  • Check for secure websites: look for “https://” and a padlock icon. However be aware that “secure” simply means that the link between your browser and the website – the way you “talk” to the website - is secured. It does not mean that the website itself is safe – fake or phishing websites can also be “secure” sites. Checking that a website is secure is just one of several steps you should take to protect yourself.
  • Read reviews: for example, be wary of sites with no or overly positive reviews.
  • Avoid deals that seem too good to be true: they often are.
  • Limit sharing personal info: for example, only fill in mandatory fields.
  • Use secure payment methods: for example, credit cards and PayPal offer more protection than direct online transfers when it comes to getting your money back.

Everyday cyber hygiene tips

Protecting yourself online doesn’t require you to be a cyber expert — just a few smart habits can help, such as:

  • Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication or passkey wherever possible.
  • Keep your devices and apps updated – updates are often required to patch (repair) security vulnerabilities.
  • Be cautious with public Wi-Fi — avoid sensitive transactions (such as banking) on unsecured networks.
  • Limit what you share on social media and online more generally, especially personal details like your address or birthday.
  • If an email looks unusual, stop and check the sender.  If anything feels off, don’t click through any links.

Keeping kids safe online

Children are digital natives, but they still need guidance and protection. Set up parental controls, talk openly about online risks, and encourage them to report anything that feels wrong. Tools like family filters and screen time limits can help, but communication is key. Scammers are highly sophisticated and children can be easy targets, especially when it comes to impersonation scams (when a scammer pretends to be someone else).

What to do if you’re targeted

If you suspect a scam, here are some things you can do:

  • Stop all contact and do not send any money or click on any links or attachments that have been sent to you.
  • Contact your bank immediately if you suspect your financial details (for example, a credit card number) were compromised.
  • Change your passwords on key accounts, and turn on multi-factor authentication everywhere you can.
  • Report identity theft to services like IDCARE.
  • Report scams to Scamwatch or ReportCyber.
  • Talk to someone — a trusted friend, family member, or support service.

Quick online safety checklist

  1. Enable two-factor authentication.
  2. Check your password strength and consider a password manager.
  3. Adopt smart security habits.

Online safety starts with awareness. Whether you're shopping, scrolling, or streaming, staying informed and alert is your best defence.

Sign in to My Account and review your settings.

Sign in

Related articles