Cyber
- Call 000 - If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm
- Contact your financial institution if your details have been compromised
On this page
Resources
As people rely on computers to do more and as technology develops, the threat from cybercriminals and the complexity of cybercrime grows.
Through the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) the AFP is committed to working closely with State and Territory Police and international policing agencies in the fight against all types of cybercrime.
To helps us in our fight against cybercriminals, we need all Australians to take steps to understand cybercrime and to protect themselves so they don’t become a victim.
How to protect yourself
The AFP’s video series helps you understand different types of cybercrime and provides tips on how to protect yourself.
Transcript
Read episode 1 transcript - Remote Access Trojans (RATs)
I'm Commander Chris Goldsmid from the AFP's Cyber Command.
As the threat from cyber criminals and the complexity of cybercrime grows every day we need everyone to make cybersecurity a priority.
While the AFP is committed to combating cybercrime one of the best tools we have for fighting cyber criminals is you.
We need every Australian to understand different types of cyber crime and the simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.
Let's start with RATs.
A RAT, or Remote Access is a type of malicious software or malware that is used to monitor and control devices.
Often RATs will piggyback off legitimate looking files like an email attachment or pirated software.
Once a RAT is installed on your computer or mobile phone a criminal has full access.
This means they could wipe your hard drive, use your network to commit crimes anonymously, steal your usernames and passwords to things like bank accounts, and steal your sensitive images or turn on your webcam to monitor what you're doing.
Unlike other types of computer virus you may not know if you've downloaded a RAT.
RATs don't always slow down your computer and cyber criminals won't always give themselves away.
Luckily, there are some easy ways you can protect yourself.
Ensure your security software, operating systems, other programs and apps are up to date and turn on automatic updates.
Only download apps and software from sources you can trust and be very wary of pirated software.
Regularly back up your data.
Cover your webcam when it's not in use and be very wary of phishing.
Those are the unsolicited emails and text messages you receive from someone you don't know or that you're not expecting, and don't open the links or attachments you receive in those messages.
If you believe you've been a victim of cybercrime report it to police using reportcyber@cyber.gov.au.
If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call 000.
You should remain vigilant with your bank accounts and contact your financial institution immediately if you see any suspicious or unusual transactions.
Don't let cyber criminals in.
Learn more at afp.gov.au.
What is Cybercrime?
In Australia, the term 'cybercrime' is used to describe:
- crimes directed at computers or other information communications technologies (ICTs) (such as computer intrusions and denial of service attacks)
- crimes where computers or ICTs are an integral part of an offence (such as online fraud).
Where to Report
ReportCyber
If you are a victim of cybercrime report it to police using Report Cyber.
Scamwatch
If you see a scam and want to report it, you can report to Scamwatch. This includes dating and romance scams, buying and selling scams, fake charities, investments, jobs and employment.
Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE)
Report incidents of online child abuse material to the ACCCE.
In the case of a child who is in immediate danger or risk call 000 or your local police station
eSafety
Report incidents of cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse (sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without the consent of the person shown) and illegal and restricted content to the eSafety commissioner.
