Staying secure online doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. Often the most effective ways to protect yourself cost nothing at all.
Whether you’re checking your email, shopping online, managing your finances, or staying connected with family and friends, a few simple habits can help reduce cyber risk and give you greater confidence online.

Here are seven practical security habits that cost nothing but can go a long way in keeping your accounts, devices and personal information safe.
Photo credit: Vitaly Gariev
1. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Think of MFA as a second key that only you carry.
When MFA is enabled, entering your password is only the first step. You’ll also have to verify your identity using a code, app notification, fingerprint, or other method. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, MFA is one of the most effective ways to protect accounts from unauthorized access.
If you haven’t already, consider turning on MFA for:
- Online banking
- Email accounts
- Social Media accounts
- Shopping accounts
- Cloud storage services
The few minutes it takes to set up can provide valuable protection.
2. Lock Your Devices When You’re Not Using Them
Most of us wouldn’t leave our house unlocked when we go out. The same principle applies to our devices, whether it’s your phone, tablet, smart watche, or laptop.
A locked device helps protect your personal information if it’s lost, stolen, or simply left unattended for a few minutes. Enable a PIN, password, fingerprint or facial recognition and get into the habit of locking your screen whenever you step away.
It costs nothing, takes only a second, and can help prevent someone else from accessing your accounts and information.
Photo credit: Herry Sucahya
3. Keep Software Updated
Software updates can feel inconvenient, but they play an important role in keeping devices secure.
Updates often include fixes for known security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may try to exploit. The Australian Cyber Security Centre recommends keeping devices and software up to date as an easy way to reduce cyber risk.
Quick Tip:
Turn on auto updates wherever possible so you don’t have to remember.
4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
A strong password is still one of your first lines of defense.
Instead of using short or predictable passwords, consider creating a long passphrase made up of several unrelated words. Longer passphrases are generally easier to remember and harder for criminals to guess. Using different strong passwords for different accounts also reduces overall cyber risk.
Avoid:
- Reusing passwords across multiple accounts
- Using personal information such as birthdays
- Choosing common words or patterns
If remembering multiple passwords feels difficult, a trusted password manager may help.
Read more about creating strong password: How to Create Secure Passphrases
Did You Know?
Despite ongoing cyber security warnings, some of the world’s most used passwords are still simple combinations such as “password”, “123456” and “qwerty”. These are often among the first passwords cybercriminals try when attempting to access accounts.
5. Prepare for Recovery Before You Need It
Even with good security habits, things don’t always go according to plan. That’s why it’s important to think not only about preventing problems but also recovering from them.
Many online accounts allow you to add recovery information such as:
- Recovery email address
- Recovery phone number
- Security verification methods
These options can help you regain access if you’re locked out of an account or forget your password.
It’s also worth taking time to back up important information. This includes photos, documents, financial records and other valuable files that can be difficult or impossible to replace if a device is lost, damaged or compromised. Keeping secure backups means you’ll have a copy available if something unexpected happens.
A little preparation today can make recovery much easier tomorrow. Learn more about backing up your data: Set and perform regular backups
6. Verify Requests to Change Payment Details Independently
Scammers often rely on urgency and distraction.
One common tactic involves sending emails or messages requesting a change to payment or bank account details. Before making any payment or updating banking information, independently verify the request using a trusted phone number or known contact.
A quick phone call could help prevent a costly mistake.
Photo credit: Markus Winkler
Quick Tip: Urgency is a Red Flag
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. If someone is pressuring you to act immediately, pause and verify the request. Legitimate organisations understand the need for caution and won't object to you taking a moment to check.
7. Manage Your Online Presence
Every piece of information shared online contributes to your digital footprint.
Reviewing privacy settings and being mindful of what you post can help protect your personal information. Details such as your workplace, holiday plans, location, family connections or interests may seem harmless on their own but combined they can help scammers create more convincing and personalized scams.
Before sharing online, ask yourself:
- Does everyone need to see this information?
- Am I sharing more than necessary?
- Could this information be misused by someone else?
If you’d like to better understand your digital footprint, try the Australian Government’s Oversharing Risk Indicator.
Security Starts with Everyday Decisions
Cyber security isn’t about becoming an expert overnight. It’s about building a few good habits over time.
If you’re looking for a place to start today, choose 2-3 habits from this list and make them part of your routine. These small steps take little time, cost nothing, and can significantly improve your online security.
At CDF, protecting your information matters to us. Whether you’re managing finances online, checking emails or sharing information, the same principle applies: Pause. Check. Protect.
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CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
