We use the internet every day to connect, shop, bank, watch shows, or stay in touch with loved ones. But like locking your front door at night, we also need to think about how we stay safe online. That’s what cyber safety is all about.

It’s not about being scared. It’s about being aware, prepared, and confident in your choices.

What is cyber safety?

Cyber safety is about protecting people from online harm and using technology safely. It also promotes responsible online behaviour and builds digital resilience.

Cyber safety is also known as online safety or digital safety.

Think of it like wearing a seatbelt. They don’t stop the car from moving, but it gives you extra protection in case something goes wrong.

Cyber safety is a shared responsibility that involves individuals, organisations and governments.

The good side of being online

Being online can make life easier, more fun, and more connected. Some positives include:

• Talking to friends and family
• Managing your money or shopping online
• Accessing entertainment like movies, games, or music
• Learning new things
• Using apps or websites like The Chooze Shop to support your needs

When we use the internet with confidence and care, it can empower us.

But there are risks too

Unfortunately, there are people out there who try to take advantage of others online. These could be scammers, cyber criminals, or even people pretending to be someone they are not.

They might try to:

• Trick you into sharing your personal information
• Access your bank details or accounts
• Pretend to be a business (like your bank)
• Install viruses or tracking tools on your device

Cyber safety helps you spot these risks and avoid them.

The most common online safety issues

Here are some of the biggest concerns people face online today:

Scams and fake emails – emails or text messages that try to trick you into clicking or sharing

Weak passwords – easy-to-guess passwords that make your accounts vulnerable

Not using two-factor authentication (2FA) – which is an added layer of protection

Public Wi-Fi – using free internet in public without protection

Oversharing – giving away too much personal info online

Don’t worry as we will walk through these online safety issues in this blog series, one at a time.

And there will be a glossary of new words and terms for you to learn and refer to.

What you can do today

Cyber safety doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Here are four things you can start to do today.

1. Think before you click on a link in an email or in a text message.
2. Use strong passwords, never use a password more than once to log in and never share a password with someone else.
3. Check your privacy settings on apps, devices, and social media.
4. Share this new blog series with your friends, family and carers.

Remember that we will be looking at each of these things in more detail in future blogs.

If there is something you would like to know about staying safe online, let us know.

Coming up next…

In our next blog, we will explore:

Who are Cybercriminals – and what do they want from you?

We will look at who is behind most scams, why they do what they do and how they try to get your personal information.

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About the Author

Jacqueline Jayne is a cyber security expert and passionate advocate for online safety. She has over 20 years of experience helping people understand technology. Cyber security is a complex topic and Jacqueline makes it easy for everyone to grasp.

In the first blog, let’s start with the big picture: what cyber safety actually means, and why it matters to you.

Website           https://www.jacquelinejayne.com.au/

LinkedIn          https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinejayne/

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Click Smart, Stay Safe: The Chooze Cyber Safety Series

Welcome to our new blog series all about being safe online.

Being safe online should be a priority for everyone. There is a lot to understand no matter your age, ability, or experience with technology.

This new blog series is here to help with the basics of cyber safety in plain language, without the tech jargon.

Each episode will include information, examples and tips. Plus easy actions you can take to protect yourself and those you care about.