27 November 2025

Complacency is risky: stay alert while online to protect yourself from cybercrime and theft

Your personal devices, such as your phone, tablet or computer, are under a growing risk of cyber-attack.

Unfortunately, the tactics of cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s more important than ever to watch out for malware and keep your passwords strong to protect your devices and accounts. Cybercriminals can try to steal your personal information, your money or your very identity itself!

What is malware?

‘Malware’ is malicious software that can be spread to your device through seemingly harmless downloads, websites, email attachments or installations.

Once installed on your device, cybercriminals can use information-stealing malware to gather your login credentials, personal information, credit card numbers, emails or social media account details.

Why it matters

This information can then be used to access private systems, commit identity theft, sell your information on the dark web, lock you out of your own accounts or launch cyber-attacks on your friends and family.

• Run antivirus tools: Regularly run an antivirus tool on your personal devices to detect and remove any malware. We offer a range of free cyber security tools via the Deakin Software Library to help you protect your devices and accounts. Please take advantage of these resources to enhance your security posture.
• Update your software: Updating your software and devices ensures you have the latest security protections.
• Only download from trusted sources: To avoid malware infections, always download apps, files, or software from official websites or app stores.
• Beware of phishing: If something seems suspicious in an email or message – don’t click on it! Report it and delete it.
• Use strong, unique passwords: A strong password is your first line of defence. Use different passwords for different accounts and consider using a password manager. Use passwords that:
  • are complicated and/or longer than 15 characters
  • are not based on personal information
  • use multi-factor authentication (MFA) where it is available
  • meet Deakin’s password requirements for your University account.

There are several signs you may notice that could be due to a malware infection, such as your device consistently slowing down, strange pop-ups, your account behaving oddly or unexpected files and programs on your device. Early detection can prevent further damage.

If you are using a personal device, follow the recovery steps from the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

If your Deakin credentials are stolen or your device is compromised, we may contact you to reset your Deakin password (along with any accounts that use the same password) and remove any malware from your personal device.

We can’t get complacent about the physical security of our devices, even when we’re on campus.

Remember to lock your devices if you need to leave for a moment and they’ll be outside your line of sight. If you’re studying on your own in the library or other study area, you may need to bring your devices with you when you step away to reduce the risk of interference or theft. It might feel like a small inconvenience but it’s just not worth the risk.

Find out more about cyber security threats

• Our Cyber Security blog will keep you up to date with the latest known online scams and show you how to stay safe online.
• The Australian Cyber Security Centre has lots of helpful information about how to protect yourself online and what to do if you’re hacked.
• Got a question or IT issue? Contact IT Help.
• You may wish to use a password manager, such as LastPass (you’ll need to be logged in to view this article).

Follow the above tips and remaining cautious to help minimise your risk and make it more inconvenient for someone to target you.