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Business Alert at 9:00am With CVA - Cyber Crime

Caroline Gillies • Nov 25, 2022

The recent ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report, July 2021 to June 2022, has stated that since the pandemic began in 2020, cyber threats have grown rampant, particularly from phishing calls and text messages, attacks on video conferencing and insider threats.

Over 76,000 cybercrime reports were reported to the ACSC, an increase of nearly 13% from the previous fiscal year.

The states hit hardest were Queensland (29 per cent of all cybercrime reports) and Victoria (27 per cent). However, the highest average reported losses were from victims in the Northern Territory (over $40,000) and Western Australia (over $29,000).

Statistics show sophisticated cybercrime is a severe problem, and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon.

Cybercrime can affect anyone, but you can reduce your risk by being informed and understanding how these threats are made.

The three most frequently reported:
- Online fraud: 27 per cent
- Online shopping: 14 per cent
- Online banking: 13 per cent

5 Tips to protecting yourself:

1. Check if You’ve Already Been Involved in A Data Breach
Visit haveibeenpwned.com and change those passwords for any accounts that it suggests may have been compromised.

2. Check the Strength of Your Passwords
Test the strength of your passwords at howsecureismypassword.net (use something similar to your original password to test its strength).

When choosing a password, remember: the longer it is, the stronger it is. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and hard to guess. Using a sentence is a great way to create a long password that you’ll never forget.

3. Avoid Simple Passwords

4. Trust No One (on emails)
This may sound a bit extreme – but always be on the lookout for deceitful emails and compromised web pages (spam and phishing). Interacting with these puts your information at risk and can download viruses. Remember:

• don't open emails from unknown email addresses
• trash attachments in unexpected emails
• avoid risky clicks – instead, type the address into your browser.

5. Secure Your Device
If your mobile device is unsecured, lost or stolen, it could be used to access your info, your money or steal your identity and irreplaceable data like photos or messages. Secure your devices by:

• installing anti-virus software
• setting a password, gesture or fingerprint that must be entered to unlock
• setting the device to require a password before applications are installed
• leaving Bluetooth hidden when not in use and disabling automatic connection to networks
• enabling remote locking and/or wiping functions if your device supports them.

https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/study-space/5-easy-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-cyber-attacks

Embracing the Bright Side: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

By Caroline Gillies • 07 Mar, 2024
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to pause and appreciate the simple joys that surround us. But amidst the challenges and hardships, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to shine through the darkness. Today, let's embark on a journey to explore the uplifting and positive aspects of life, reminding ourselves of the beauty that exists in every moment. Gratitude: A Key to Happiness Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform even the most mundane of days into something extraordinary. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for, whether it's the warmth of the sun on your face, the laughter of loved ones, or the beauty of nature. By shifting your focus to the blessings in your life, you'll find that joy naturally follows. Embracing Imperfection Life is messy, unpredictable, and imperfect – and that's what makes it beautiful. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace the flaws and quirks that make you unique. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes with grace and humility. Remember, it's okay to stumble along the way – it's all part of the journey. Finding Joy in the Little Things Happiness doesn't always come from grand gestures or monumental achievements. Often, it's the little things that bring the most joy – a kind word from a stranger, a hug from a friend, or a quiet moment spent watching the sunset. Pay attention to the small moments of beauty and wonder that pepper your day, and you'll find that happiness is never far away. Spreading Kindness and Love In a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent, kindness is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. Make it a priority to spread love and positivity wherever you go, whether it's through a simple act of kindness or a heartfelt compliment. By lifting others up, you'll find that you lift yourself up in the process. Cultivating Inner Peace True happiness comes from within, rooted in a sense of peace and contentment that transcends external circumstances. Take time each day to nourish your mind, body, and spirit – whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking a walk in nature. Cultivate a sense of inner peace that will sustain you through life's ups and downs, allowing you to navigate challenges with grace and resilience. Embrace the Journey Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, but it's also a journey filled with beauty, wonder, and endless possibilities. By embracing the bright side of life, finding joy in everyday moments, and spreading love and kindness wherever we go, we can create a world that is a little brighter, a little kinder, and a little more beautiful for us all. So let's embark on this journey together, with open hearts and open minds, ready to embrace all that life has to offer.

Boosting Your Superannuation: Seven Powerful Strategies

By Caroline Gillies • 22 Feb, 2024
Boosting Your Superannuation: Seven Powerful Strategies

Changes to Company details and ASIC – How to avoid a fee

By Caroline Gillies • 19 Oct, 2023
When it comes to being a Director of a company, there are administrative requirements that must be complied with, including keeping ASIC in the loop. We all hate paying unnecessary fees, and ASIC loves to charge fees. To avoid late fees, ASIC must be told about any changes to company details, including your business or residential address, within 28 days. If your company's information changes, please let us know so we can notify ASIC on your behalf. Example: Jarryd gets a late fee Jarryd recently moved his company to a new storefront. In the rush of changing to his new principal place of business, he forgot to update his address details with ASIC. A month later, Jarryd logged into his online account to change his address to reflect the address of his new principal place of business. Because it was outside the 28 day timeframe, the company was charged a $93 late fee. If he had waited longer and lodged the change of address more than a month late, the company would have been charged a $387 late fee. To avoid fees in the future, Jarryd realises it's important to update his details as soon as they change. In summary, be like Jarryd and realise the importance of advising Clear Vision Accountancy Group of any changes. Example supplied by ASIC
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