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Online Safety

 

Follow these tips to help protect your devices, accounts, and personal information online:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for each device, account, and online service.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on accounts that support it.
  • Keep your devices, apps, and operating systems updated to help keep them secure.
  • Secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password and change it regularly.
  • Avoid accessing online banking or other sensitive services when using public computers or public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Do not open email attachments or click links from senders you don’t recognise or trust.
  • Use email filtering tools to help identify and block suspicious or malicious messages.
  • Only download software and apps from trusted sources, such as official app stores or authorised software providers.
  • Install and maintain antivirus software to help protect your devices from malware and other security threats.

Learn more

For more information about online security, visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC): https://www.cyber.gov.au/

 

The internet can be a great place for children to learn, play and connect with others. However, it can also expose them to risks such as cyberbullying, scams, inappropriate content and unwanted contact from strangers. The following resources provide guidance and support to help keep children safe online:

 

 

Malware is short for malicious software. It is software that is designed to damage devices, steal information, disrupt services, or gain unauthorised access to systems.

Common types of malware include:

  • Viruses – Malicious software that can copy itself and spread between devices. Viruses can damage files, applications and operating systems.
  • Spyware – Software that monitors device activity and may collect personal information, passwords or other activity without the user's knowledge.
  • Adware – Software that displays unwanted advertisements on a device. Some adware may also track online activity to deliver targeted advertising.
  • Ransomware – Malware that can lock a device or encrypt files, preventing access until a ransom is paid.
  • Worms – Self-replicating malware that can spread across networks without requiring user interaction.
  • Trojans – Malware disguised as legitimate software. Once installed, it can steal information, damage files, or install additional malware.
  • Bots – Malware that allows an infected device to be remotely controlled as part of a network of compromised devices, known as a botnet.

How can I protect my device?

To help protect your devices from malware:

  • Keep your operating systems and applications up to date.
  • Install antivirus software.
  • Only download software and applications from trusted sources.
  • Avoid opening email attachments or clicking suspicious links from unknown sources.
 

Phishing is a type of scam where criminals impersonate trusted businesses, organisations or individuals to trick you into providing personal or financial information.

Common phishing methods include:

  • Emails
  • Fake websites
  • Text messages
  • Phone calls
  • Instant messaging services
  • Social media

These methods are designed to deceive you into giving out your private and confidential information.

Dodo will never ask for passwords, payment details or other sensitive personal information via email or SMS.

 

It’s not always easy to spot a scammer, but you should look out for these signs:

  • Generic greetings – If you have an account, they should know your name.
  • Poor spelling or grammar – Messages containing obvious spelling or grammatical errors may be scams.
  • An ‘urgent’ request for information – Most companies will not send you an email asking for passwords, credit card information, or tax numbers, nor will they send you a link asking you to log in.
  • Deals, offers or prizes (Holidays, cash prizes, etc.) – Be cautious of unexpected offers or prizes that require personal information, downloads or clicking links to claim them. It’s like the old saying “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
  • Scare tactics – Threats like “your account has been compromised”, “A warrant has been issued for your arrest” and other threats.
  • Attachments or links – If something looks suspicious or doesn’t seem right, do not open it. Delete the message instead.

Reporting scams

To report a scam, contact Dodo directly or make a report through Scamwatch here.   

 

If something doesn’t look or sound right, or if something is too good to be true, it usually is. To help safeguard yourself, you should:

  • Not respond to missed calls or SMS from unknown international numbers.
  • Block any numbers on your phone that you suspect to be a scam call or SMS.
  • If you don’t know the number, let the call go through to voicemail. Then check if the number is from a credible source by searching for the organisation’s official number online before returning the call.
  • Be careful when sharing any personal information online, including on social media.
  • Avoid clicking on any unknown links in text messages.
  • Immediately contact your financial institution if you believe you may have lost money to a scam.

To report a scam, you can contact Dodo directly or report the scam to Scamwatch, a division of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

If you are receiving unwanted sales and marketing calls, you can register your number on the National Do Not Call Register at https://www.donotcall.gov.au/.

More information about the National Do Not Call Register can be found on their website at https://www.donotcall.gov.au/.

 

Scam calls and SMS messages can appear to come from trusted organisations, including government agencies or other well-known organisations.

If you receive an unexpected request for personal information, payment or remote access to a device, do not respond.

Although some calls and SMS messages may appear legitimate, organisations generally do not request sensitive personal information, immediate payments, or remote access to your device via unsolicited calls or SMS messages.

Common scam tactics include:

  • A claim that you have won a prize.
  • Using a well-known logo or sending an SMS that appears legitimate.
  • Calling or sending SMS messages multiple times.
  • Using a recorded message to encourage you to return the call.
  • Including a link in an SMS that directs you to a website for more information.