Our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology. It’s a part of everything we do, from how we order our groceries to how kids are learning. As our digital landscapes continue to grow, so does our need for cyber safety. 

We’ve called in the experts, Geeks2U technicians Harvey and Ariel, to break down the essentials of cyber security. Discover their expert online safety tips, from safely using AI to protecting your data against cyber attacks.

What is Cyber Safety?

Cyber safety, also known as cyber security, refers to any kind of practice, behaviour or knowledge that prevents users from online harm and protects their overall wellbeing. “[It] is the protection of devices, networks and data from cyber threats, such as hacking, scams and malware,” says Harvey. “It’s basically about keeping your digital life safe,” says Ariel.

Why is Cyber Safety Important? 

As Ariel notes, most of our day-to-day involves digital spaces, from banking to our Medicare information, so ensuring we’re keeping our data safe is critical. “If you aren’t secured, you’re leaving yourself open to identity theft and financial fraud,” says Ariel. 

“[Cyber safety] helps protect personal information, finances and business data from theft, damage or unauthorised access,” says Harvey.

How Do I Practise Cyber Safety?

Harvey says practising cyber safety involves a host of different considerations, including “strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, software updates, antivirus software, backups and user education.”

“These measures work together to make it harder for criminals to get in and easier for you to recover if something goes wrong,” says Ariel.

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What are Cyber Attacks? 

Cyber attacks can come in different forms, including scams like phishing emails and malware, which are typically intended to steal personal information, finances or damage computer systems. A 2024 survey showed that of the 10,000 participants, over 63 per cent had experienced a cybercrime. 

Of that group, 20 per cent experienced a malware attack and 9 per cent were victims of an online scam. These figures highlight how everyday Australians are being impacted by cyber threats, reinforcing the necessity of keeping cyber safety top of mind.

How Do I Protect Myself From Cyber Attacks?

Both Harvey and Ariel agree: cyber safety doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s the simple everyday measures you can take that will help to reduce your risk of cyber attacks. “Things like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, software updates, antivirus protection, secure networks and regular backups,” says Ariel.

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How Has AI Changed Cyber Safety?

The rapid advancement of AI systems continues to transform the modern landscape across industries, which means the way we keep ourselves safe online is changing too. With the development of AI systems and software, we’re able to detect threats much more quickly, but it can also create more convincing and advanced cyber attacks, says Harvey.

How Can I Stay Safe When Using AI Chatbots?

Much like any kind of online activity, AI systems and chatbots should be used with caution and a critical lens. 

“AI chatbots can be useful, but anything you type in may be stored, reviewed or used in ways you didn’t expect, so it’s best to keep sensitive information out of the conversation,” says Ariel. “Avoid sharing personal details, passwords, banking information, private business data or anything confidential. [You should] never type anything you wouldn’t want a stranger to read.” 

How Can I Keep My Kids Safe Online?

Staying informed and alert is always the first step in protecting yourself from any threats online, which is why Ariel suggests that parents have open conversations with their children about cyber-safe practices in conjunction with some helpful tools.

“For example, setting age-appropriate boundaries and using parental controls where needed,” says Ariel. “With school laptops, tablets and gaming consoles all playing a role in everyday life, staying on top of your kids’ digital world can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we offer the Geeks2U Parental Control & Security Setup service. My role isn’t just to secure devices, but to simplify the technology, remove the confusion and give parents practical tools and advice to help keep their family safer online.”

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What is Cyber Security Awareness Month?

Cyber Security Awareness Month is a global initiative, occurring annually in October, focused on raising awareness of the importance of online safety, understanding ways to protect yourself and making online spaces safer for everyone. 

Ariel champions Cyber Security Awareness Month for its accessible campaigning, making cyber safety easy for every Australian to understand. “Campaigns run by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) shift the conversation away from ‘hacker movie stereotypes’ and focus on practical, actionable steps that any grandparent or small business owner can actually do,” says Ariel.

Top Six Expert Online Safety Tips

Harvey and Ariel share their top six easy tips to staying safe online.

1. Strengthen Your Passwords

When it comes to online safety, Harvey says the most common mistake he sees is repeated, weak passwords being used across multiple accounts. This leaves users vulnerable to widespread attacks. Try to regularly update your passwords, keep them varied and hard to guess. 

2. Add Another Layer of Password Protection

“Enable multi-factor authentication. It adds an extra layer of protection even if a password is compromised. There is zero reason to not enable it,” says Harvey.

3. Privatise Your Network

“A VPN, or virtual private network, creates a private connection between your device and  the internet. It helps protect your data, especially on public Wi-Fi, by making it harder for others to see what you’re doing online,” says Ariel.

4. Install Security Software

“Antivirus software looks for and helps block malicious software like viruses, spyware and  ransomware. It can scan files, warn you about risky downloads and give your device an extra layer of protection,” says Ariel.

5. Stay Vigilant

When you’re working in public or browsing on your phone in transit, you’re more vulnerable to potential threats. Harvey says using privacy screens, avoiding public networks and locking your devices will help keep you safe.

6. Be Cautious

“[All these measures] can’t stop you from being tricked by a phone scammer, nor can they stop you from typing your credit card details into a convincing fake website. The best security tool will always be your own caution,” says Ariel.

What to Try 

Need further assistance with your tech problems? Call Geeks2U on 1300 725 420 or visit geeks2u.com.au