Your mobile device is the portal to almost every detail about you. So it's important to keep it secure.
Estimated reading time is 5 minutes.
Estimated reading time is 5 minutes.
Along with keeping your information safe by taking steps such as ensuring you have the right anti-virus installed, using a strong password and being careful about what you share on social media, it’s also important that you encrypt sensitive information before you send it via email.
Let’s look at what encryption is, why it’s important, and what kind of information you should consider encrypting.
We lock our homes, restrict access to buildings, and protect our assets with various forms of insurance. So why wouldn’t you also protect the information you share via email or other online methods from falling into the wrong hands?
Data is a big part of our everyday lives; just as you would protect your computer with anti-virus software, protect your data with encryption. Encryption prevents unauthorised access to your information by ‘locking’ your files so they cannot be accessed by anyone other than the intended recipient.
When you encrypt a file, the recipient requires a ‘key’ or password to ‘unlock’ the document or item again. This prevents your information from being intercepted or accessed by people without the password.
You should consider encrypting the following kinds of information when sharing it via email or another online method, including:
Different programs and file formats will have different steps for encrypting documents.
Read Microsoft’s article on protecting word documents with a password.
When sending the encrypted file to the recipient, ensure you advise them of the password via a different means (such as an SMS or phone call). Never include the password in the email with the encrypted document. If the email gets in the hands of someone who shouldn’t access, you have just provided them with the document and the password!
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) brings cyber security capabilities from across the Australian Government together into a single location. It’s the hub for private and public sector collaboration and information sharing to combat cyber security threats. ACSC’s Stay Smart Online provides topical, relevant and timely information on how home internet users and small businesses can protect themselves from, and reduce the risk of, cyber security threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities, and risky online behaviours.
ReportCyber is a secure reporting and referral service for cybercrime and online incidents which may be in breach of Australian law. The ReportCyber website provides a cybercrime reporting mechanism as well as helpful information about cybercrime.
Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams using publications, videos and other online resources.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, and address illegal online content.
The Attorney-General’s Department website provides helpful information and resources about your rights and protections in regards to identity security, freedom of information and cyber security. The Department has developed a range of resources to assist people protect their identity and recover from the effects of identity crime.
IDCare is Australia and New Zealand's not-for-profit counselling and support service set up to assist Australians impacted by identity theft and cyber-related crimes.
IDCare can assist NAB customers to navigate through the process when identity details or credentials have been compromised through fraud or scams. IDCare is a free service for all Australians.
Your mobile device is the portal to almost every detail about you. So it's important to keep it secure.
Your identity is your most valuable asset. Protect it. Your freedom depends on it.
The internet is full of information, but it can also be dangerous. Learn how to keep your family safe online.
Stay in control of who accesses your information when browsing online with these simple tips.
You’ll now be redirected from NAB to an external site.
NAB doesn’t accept responsibility for the operation of the website you’re being redirected to.