Cyber myths busted

How cyber savvy are you? It's Cyber Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to test - and improve your cyber security knowledge to help you and your family stay safer online.
2 minute read

The big 4 of cyber awareness

Cyber security is a shared responsibility. Just as we're responsible for protecting our own family online, we also have a part to play in making the internet a safer place.

Cyber Awareness Month

Recognised by governments worldwide, Cyber Awareness Month is dedicated to improving your cyber security knowledge and ensuring everyone has the right resources to stay safe online. This year, the focus is on four cyber security fundamentals:

  1. Using strong passwords
  2. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  3. Recognising and reporting phishing scams
  4. Updating software to protect against vulnerabilities.

Take our cyber quiz

How's your cyber knowledge? Answer each of the four questions below (and bust a few myths in the process). You'll find the correct answers in the dropdown section at the bottom of this page (no peeking!). 

 

Password puzzlers

Question:

Is it safe to use the same complex password for multiple accounts?

Choose the correct answer:

  1. It's a safe and convenient solution for all your logins
  2. It's risky. One breach could compromise all your accounts
  3. It's only safe for non-essential accounts
  4. It's only safe for accounts with two-step verification.

Top tips for safer passwords

 

Multi-factor authentication mysteries

Question:

You've enabled multi-factor authentication (MFA) - also known as two-step verification. Do you still need to worry about account security? 

Choose the correct answer: 

  1. There's nothing to worry about because MFA is the ultimate security measure
  2. MFA still requires vigilance for potential vulnerabilities
  3. MFA is only necessary for financial or sensitive accounts
  4. MFA isn't necessary if you’re cautious online.

Why multi-factor authentication matters

 

Phishing fallacies

Question:

If you receive an email from a known contact, how can you be sure it's safe and free from malicious content?

Choose the correct answer:

  1. You can't. The email could be dangerous if the contact’s account is compromised
  2. The email is trustworthy because familiar sources are secure
  3. It's only safe if the email was expected
  4. It's dependable, especially if the contact is a frequent correspondent. 

Report a scam

 

Software update dilemmas

Question:

Will postponing software updates impact my digital security?

Choose the correct answer:

  1. No, because updates are mostly cosmetic and can be delayed
  2. Updates are only critical if you use your device for sensitive transactions (like banking)
  3. Yes. Delaying software updates can leave your system vulnerable to new threats
  4. Updates are unnecessary if you have reliable antivirus software.

Show me how to update software

 

How did you go?

Did you score on all four? Hello, cyber genius! Keep doing what you're doing to help you stay secure online but check in regularly for the latest security tips. If you scored less, there's room for improvement. Tap the button below to learn more about our 4 golden rules for online safety: stronger passwords, multi-factor authentication, recognising phishing scams and regularly updating your software. 

We're all here for a safer online environment. It pays to stay informed and vigilant to help safeguard your digital life. 

Tips to help improve your online security

Answers

Question

Is it safe to use the same complex password for multiple accounts?

 

Correct answer

2. It's risky. One breach could compromise all your accounts.

We strongly recommend using a unique password for each account.

Question

You've enabled multi-factor authentication (MFA) - also known as two-step verification. Do you still need to worry about account security? 

 

Correct answer 

2. MFA still requires vigilance for potential vulnerabilities

MFA (multi-factor authentication) is strong, but not 100% failsafe. At Telstra, we also call it two-factor verification. 

Question 

If you receive an email from a known contact, how can you be sure it's safe and free from malicious content?

 

Correct answer 

1. You can't. The email could be dangerous if the contact’s account is compromised

Always verify unexpected requests or links, even from your known contacts.

Question 

Will postponing software updates impact my digital security?

 

Correct answer 

3. Yes. Delays can leave your system vulnerable to new threats.

Regularly updating your software can help protect against the latest security risks.

For more information and resources, visit the Australian Government's official Cyber Awareness Month page. 

For another excellent source of cyber security and safety information, we recommend visiting The Office of the eSafety Commissioner. 

Explore more on this topic

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