Estimated reading time
5 min
Key points
- With the internet being at our fingertips all day, every day, being alert and aware when you’re communicating, banking, and shopping online can help you protect your money and personal information from cybercriminals.
- Making a strong, unique password, activating multi-factor authentication, and being wary of messages with suspicious links are just some of the steps you can take to help protect yourself online.
- Unexpectedly receiving a message or call where there’s pressure to act, such as transferring money or sharing your personal information, is one of the many red flags of a scam.
The internet powers everyday life - from work and social media to online banking and shopping. But as our digital activity grows, so do the risks. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to steal personal information and money, making online safety more important than ever.
The good news? Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple, smart habits can help you protect your personal and financial information.
Below, we have compiled some tips to help you stay safer online when it comes to your banking, shopping, personal information and more.
How to bank safely online
Your personal and banking information matters - here’s how to keep your online banking secure:
- Go to ANZ directly
Login by typing ‘anz.com.au’ into your browser or by using the ANZ App.
- Turn on extra security
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added protection.
- Avoid public Wi Fi
Consider only using private, secure connections when banking online.
- Log out every time
Always log out of your online banking and close your browser after use.
- Keep your details private
Never share passwords, PINs, one-time passcodes (OTPs) for payment or ANZ Shield codes with anyone.
- Watch for scams
Not sure it’s really ANZ contacting you? Don’t respond. Hang up if it’s a call and contact us directly using our official contact details to check.
Learn more about internet banking security. Find out how to tell if ANZ is really contacting you.
How to create strong passwords
Strong passwords help protect your online accounts. Follow these tips to help keep them secure:
- Make it long
Use at least 14 characters with letters, numbers and symbols (where allowed).
- Use a passphrase instead
A passphrase combines four or more random words e.g. PurplePearPrincessParis
- Avoid personal or obvious information
Don’t use personal details or common patterns like Password123.
- Use a different password for every account
This helps protect other accounts if one is compromised.
- Consider a password manager
These tools can help you generate and store strong passwords securely.
- Change passwords if compromised
Do this as soon as you suspect someone else may know it.
Learn more about passwords and passphrases.
How to shop safely online
Shopping online can be convenient, but taking a few simple precautions can help you protect your money and information.
- Check the website is secure
Look for “https://” and a padlock icon before entering personal or payment details.
- Research the online store
Check independent reviews, especially lower rated ones, to confirm a retailer is legitimate.
- Check the website address carefully
Scammers may use look‑alike web addresses. Always check the full address.
- Use secure payment methods
Where possible, use trusted payment options such as PayPal, rather than direct bank transfers or deposits.
- Never send payment details via messages
Don’t share your bank or card details through email, SMS, or social media.
- Use PayID and Confirmation of Payee
These features help you check who you’re paying before completing a transaction.
Learn about online shopping scams.
How to recognise and avoid scams
Scams are designed to look and feel real, create urgency and push you to act quickly.
Be cautious of:
- Messages, emails or calls pressuring you to act fast
- Requests for personal or financial information
- Unexpected links or attachments
- Offers sound too good to be true
If something doesn’t seem right, stop and verify using official contact details. Never use the contact details provided to you by the caller or in the email or message in a suspicious message or call.
Discover the different types of scams.
How to keep your devices secure
Securing your devices helps protect your information online:
- Turn on automatic updates
Updates often include security fixes that can help protect your device from known risks.
- Only download apps from official app stores
These usually have safeguards to reduce risk.
- Set strong screen locks or biometric protection
PINs, passwords or biometric locks can prevent unauthorised access.
- Install reputable antivirus software
Trusted tools can help detect and block harmful activity.
- Enable remote lock or wipe
This helps protect your data if your device is lost or stolen.
Explore more articles on keeping your devices secure.
How to protect your personal information
Your personal information can be used to access accounts or target you with scams, even when shared casually. To stay protected:
- Keep sensitive information private
Avoid sharing important information or posting personal details publicly.
- Pause before sharing information
Stop and think, check who’s reaching out, and take the right action to help keep your personal information safe.
- Review your social media privacy settings
Limit what others can see, including locations and routines.
- Keep you devices secure
Updated and protected devices help safeguard your information.
Learn the key signs of identity theft and how it can happen.
What to do if you experience cyberbullying and online harassment
If you’re experiencing cyberbullying or online harassment, you’re not alone and support is available:
- Report the content to the service or platform where it’s occurring
- If the affected person is under 18, you can find information on how to report it to the eSafety Commissioner.
- If you’re over 18, you can find information on how to report it to the eSafety Commissioner.
- You can find further support by calling 1800 RESPECT, visiting the website, or contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- You can learn more about cyberbullying on the Australian Human Rights Commission website.
Where to report fraud and scams
- If you suspect fraud on your account or have shared financial information or transferred money as a result of a scam, please contact your bank. If you bank with ANZ, please contact us straightaway. Our Customer Protection Team is available 24/7 to help you.
- If you shared credit card details, ‘block’ or cancel those cards immediately. If your cards are with ANZ, you can report the stolen card through the ANZ app or by calling us.
- You can also report scams to the Australian Government’s Scamwatch and the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s ReportCyber.
- For additional support with identity or cyber security concerns, you can reach out to IDCare, a not-for-profit organisation offering expert support and frontline insights into scams, identity theft and cybercrime.
