Protect yourself
Explainers on how accounts, devices and personal information are commonly protected, with links to the official guidance each one draws on.
Start here
- How to secure your online accounts: where to startHow to secure online accounts with passphrases, a password manager and multi-factor authentication, with setup steps for Google, Microsoft and Apple.
- Windows computer security basicsHow to secure a Windows PC, step by step: updates, Windows Hello, two-step verification, Windows Backup, Find My Device and the Windows Security app.
- Your iPhone: the security basics official guidance coversiPhone security settings explained step by step: updates, passcode, Stolen Device Protection, two-factor authentication, iCloud Backup and Find My.
Everyday situations
- Banking and shopping on your phone: what official guidance saysIs mobile banking safe? How banking apps and one-time codes work, how scammers try to get codes, and how to check a website or a call before paying.
- Lost or stolen phone: what official guidance says to doLost or stolen phone? What to do: lock, locate or erase an iPhone or Android, block it by IMEI, report it and secure accounts, from Apple, Google and AMTA.
- Public Wi-Fi, charging and travelling with devicesIs public Wi-Fi safe? How fake hotspots work, how to turn off auto-join and forget networks, and what the ACSC says about public charging and travel.
- Selling, giving away or recycling a deviceHow to wipe a phone before selling it, and tablets and computers too: back up, sign out, turn off activation locks and factory reset, step by step.
- Setting up a new phone securely: a step-by-step guideHow to set up a new phone securely: move data to a new iPhone or Android, then turn on updates, a screen lock and phone finding, step by step.
- Using AI chatbots: privacy, accuracy and scams explainedIs it safe to use AI chatbots? What happens to what you type, what the OAIC says not to share, why answers can be wrong, and how scammers use AI.
- Working from home: security basics in official guidanceWorking from home cyber security basics: work devices, updates, the home router and video calls, with steps for updates, camera access and screen locks.
Privacy
- Browser privacy and security settings: Chrome, Edge, Safari and FirefoxBrowser security and privacy settings explained, with steps for Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox: updates, safe browsing, tracking, cookies and extensions.
- Protecting your personal information: a plain-English guideHow to protect your personal information in Australia: what counts, where it leaks, what to share, data breach steps, credit bans and your privacy rights.
- Social media privacy settings and account securitySocial media privacy settings explained: two-factor authentication, who sees your posts, location sharing, what to share and how to spot fake profiles.
Your devices
- Chromebook security basicsChromebook security settings explained step by step: updates and end dates, screen lock, 2-Step Verification, saving files, lost devices and extensions.
- Mac security basicsMac security settings explained step by step: macOS updates, screen lock, FileVault, Apple Account two-factor authentication, Time Machine and Find My.
- Smart speakers, home cameras and video doorbells: security basicsHow to secure smart home devices: review voice history, mute microphones, check who can see cameras and doorbells, and what Australia's rules require.
- Smart TV and streaming box security basicsSmart TV security and privacy settings explained: how to update a Samsung TV, Google TV or Apple TV, review voice and viewing data, and secure accounts.
- Smartwatches and fitness trackers: the security basics official guidance coversSmartwatch security and privacy settings explained step by step: updates, passcodes, backups, finding a lost watch, app permissions and health data.
- Windows computer security basicsHow to secure a Windows PC, step by step: updates, Windows Hello, two-step verification, Windows Backup, Find My Device and the Windows Security app.
- Your Android phone: the security basics official guidance coversAndroid phone security settings explained step by step: updates, screen lock, 2-Step Verification, backups, Find Hub, app permissions and Play Protect.
- Your iPhone: the security basics official guidance coversiPhone security settings explained step by step: updates, passcode, Stolen Device Protection, two-factor authentication, iCloud Backup and Find My.
- Your tablet: the security basics official guidance coversTablet security settings for iPad and Android, step by step: updates, passcodes, two-factor sign-in, backups, Find My or Find Hub, and sharing safely.
Accounts and passwords
- How to secure your online accounts: where to startHow to secure online accounts with passphrases, a password manager and multi-factor authentication, with setup steps for Google, Microsoft and Apple.
- Passkeys explained: what they are and how they workWhat are passkeys? How they work, why they resist phishing, synced versus device-bound passkeys, and how to create one for Google, Microsoft and Apple.
- Planning account recovery before you need itHow to set up account recovery before you need it: recovery phone, email, backup codes and recovery contacts, with steps for Google, Microsoft and Apple.
Devices and home network
- Backups for personal devices: the 3-2-1 approachHow to back up a computer and phone: the 3-2-1 rule, sync versus backup, why an offline copy matters, and steps for iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac.
- Home Wi-Fi and router security explainedHow to secure home Wi-Fi: change router and Wi-Fi passwords, update firmware, turn on WPA3 or WPA2 and set up a guest network, with ACSC steps.
Protect yourself: questions people ask
How do I secure my phone?
The basics official guidance lists are automatic updates, a strong passcode, two-factor authentication for the main account, and Find My or Find Hub. Our guides show the steps for iPhone and Android. iPhone security basics
Is Windows Defender enough?
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows, and official guidance doesn't say paid antivirus is required. Our Windows guide shows how to check Defender and the firewall are on. Windows security basics
How do I protect my online accounts?
Official guidance focuses on long unique passphrases, a password manager and multi-factor authentication, starting with email and banking accounts. How to secure your online accounts