Yesterday afternoon, BBNSW hosted an important event on cybersecurity, presented by ID Support NSW. Presenter John Quek, focussed on the safeguarding of personal information in an age where cybercrime is increasingly sophisticated. He highlighted key strategies for protecting oneself against identity theft and online scams.

Quek stressed that personal details such as your name, date of birth, and contact information are valuable assets that cybercriminals can exploit to steal your identity. BBNSW attendees were advised about certain things they could do to protect their personal data.

One of the key messages of the event was that legitimate organisations will never request sensitive information such as bank details, passwords, PINs, or login credentials through unsolicited calls or emails. If you receive such requests, you should contact the organisation directly using the phone number or email address provided on their official website to verify the legitimacy of the request.

Quek also addressed the deceptive tactics used by cybercriminals, including seemingly innocent social media quizzes that ask for personal information like your mother’s name, your favourite pet, or your first street address. These quizzes are often designed to gather personal data that can later be used to compromise your online security.

Participants were warned that scammers often present themselves as friendly and helpful, which can make their attempts to gather personal information even more convincing. The key takeaway was to remain cautious and sceptical of unsolicited requests for personal data, regardless of how genuine they may seem.

Overall, the event provided valuable insights and practical advice on how to recognise and protect against various forms of cybercrime. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed and cautious is essential to safeguarding your personal information and online presence.