Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: A Crucial Guide
Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for large corporations and government agencies – small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals as well. In fact, small businesses are often more vulnerable due to limited resources and lack of robust security measures. With cyber threats evolving constantly, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. However, securing your business’s digital assets is crucial. This guide provides practical advice to help small businesses navigate the ever-changing cyber threat landscape.
Why is Cybersecurity So Important for Small Businesses?
Small businesses may feel like they’re flying under the radar, but the reality is that hackers often see them as easy targets. Cyberattacks can lead to significant financial losses and damage to a business’s reputation. Sensitive information such as customer credit card data, bank account details, intellectual property, and business growth plans are prime targets for attackers. Additionally, a breach doesn’t just affect your company—it can also disrupt your supply chain if hackers gain access to your network and infiltrate other companies you do business with.
The increasing reliance on cloud-based technologies, remote working tools, and online platforms for day-to-day operations heightens the risk. As small businesses adopt these tools, ensuring they’re protected from cyber threats becomes critical to prevent unauthorized access, financial loss, and data theft.
The Impact of Cyberattacks on Small Businesses
The consequences of a cyberattack can be severe. Studies show that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack shut down within six months of the breach. Even if your business survives the initial shock, other significant impacts include:
- Financial losses due to theft of banking information or disruption of business operations
- High costs to rid your network of malicious software or viruses
- Reputational damage after informing customers that their data has been compromised
For many small businesses, the fallout from an attack can be too much to overcome, making proactive cybersecurity measures even more important.
Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses
While it may feel daunting, small businesses can take a variety of steps to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Here are key cybersecurity tips to help safeguard your company’s digital assets:
- Train Your Employees
Employee errors or negligence often lead to data breaches. Insiders, whether malicious or careless, can unintentionally give cybercriminals access to critical business data. It’s essential to educate your employees about common threats like phishing emails and weak password practices. Provide cybersecurity training to teach staff how to recognize these threats, use strong passwords, and handle sensitive data securely.
- Conduct a Risk Assessment
A comprehensive risk assessment is essential for identifying potential vulnerabilities in your systems. Evaluate how and where your data is stored, who has access to it, and potential threats. Review your cloud storage provider’s security measures and consider possible risks to your business. Once you’ve assessed the risks, create a security plan to address gaps and review it regularly to ensure ongoing protection.
- Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software protects your devices from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Ensure the software you choose is capable of detecting and eliminating new threats. Regularly update the antivirus software to ensure you’re protected against the latest cyber risks.
- Keep Software Up-to-Date
Keeping all software up to date is a simple but essential cybersecurity step. Software providers frequently release patches to fix security vulnerabilities. Make sure to install these updates as soon as they are available, especially for critical tools like your router’s firmware.
- Backup Your Files Regularly
Cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, can compromise or destroy your files. Implement an automatic backup system to ensure you always have access to the latest version of your files in case of a breach. Store backups offline or in a secure cloud system, so they are protected even if your network is attacked.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Ensure your Wi-Fi network is protected with WPA2 or a more recent protocol. Changing the network name (SSID) and using a complex passphrase are simple ways to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
- Implement a Strong Password Policy
Strong passwords are a basic but essential part of any cybersecurity strategy. Require all employees to use passwords that are long, complex, and unique. Implement a policy for regular password changes and encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to further secure accounts.
- Use Password Managers
Managing multiple complex passwords can be challenging, but password managers can simplify the process. These tools store and generate secure passwords, allowing your employees to access accounts without the need to memorize multiple credentials.
- Install a Firewall
A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and potential threats from the internet. It can block malicious traffic from entering your systems and can prevent sensitive data from being sent out of your network. Keep your firewall updated regularly to ensure optimal protection.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts internet traffic, ensuring a secure connection when accessing your business network remotely. It is especially important for employees who work from home or while traveling, providing a secure connection even on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Guard Against Physical Theft
Cybersecurity doesn’t just involve digital protections. Physical security is important, too. Ensure your devices are secured against theft and consider adding tracking software to recover lost or stolen devices. Implement remote wiping capabilities to delete sensitive data from lost devices.
- Don’t Overlook Mobile Devices
Mobile devices can be an entry point for cybercriminals, especially if they contain access to your business network. Require employees to secure their mobile devices with strong passwords, install security apps, and enable encryption. Set clear procedures for reporting lost or stolen devices.
Conclusion
While the growing threat of cyberattacks can feel overwhelming for small business owners, taking the right precautions can significantly reduce the risk of a breach. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures such as training employees, using encryption, regularly updating software, and utilizing strong passwords, you can safeguard your business from cybercriminals. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regularly review and update your security practices to ensure your business remains protected against evolving threats. Taking these steps not only protects your business but also builds trust with your customers, ensuring long-term success in an increasingly digital world.
—————BOOK YOUR EXCLUSIVE 15 MINUTE ZOOM CONSULTATION————-
We offer a 15-minute no obligation consultation to existing property investors, first home buyers and small business owners who are looking at property investments, business and asset protection. To Book an Appointment simply click here and pick a time and date.
BOOK YOUR ZOOM APPOINTMENT HERE
How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to give our office on 08 9221 5522 or via email – info@camdenprofessionals.com.au or arrange a time for a meeting so we can discuss your requirements in more detail.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to give our office on 08 9221 5522 or via email – info@camdenprofessionals.com.au or arrange a time for a meeting so we can discuss your requirements in more detail.
General Advice Warning
The material on this page and on this website has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained on this page and on this website is General Advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. In addition, the examples provided on this page and on this website are for illustrative purposes only.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this page and on this website, Camden Professionals, its officers, representatives, employees, and agents disclaim all liability [except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this website or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.
How to avoid internet scams this holiday season
Have you received a text message saying you have an account that is unpaid, or are you suddenly getting telephone calls from overseas numbers or WhatsApp messages from people you do not know? In this article we take a look at how to avoid internet scams this holiday season.
The Australian Federal Police is anticipating a surge in scams over the Christmas shopping period, where scammers use legitimate-looking text messages to trick people into handing over personal details which are then sold.
During this holiday period, most Australians will shop online trying to find last minute gifts or bargains, but this is a time where shoppers need to be extra vigilant about online scams.
Many of you may have already been caught up in the Medicare or Optus data breaches and cyber security is becoming an important issue for 2023. Buying online poses additional risks and there are some key things you need to be on the lookout for when you are shopping online or browsing the internet during the holidays.
What should you look out for?
Pricing – If it’s too good to be true, it probably is:
When surfing the internet, it is common to find the same product, service, or experience at varying prices on different websites – an advantage when attempting to compare prices and get the most out of your money. But if something looks unreasonably cheap, that could be a sign that the website or seller is not legitimate and could be a scam to obtain your financial details.
Scamwatch recommends taking extra care this holiday period when purchasing big and expensive items online such as electrical goods, gaming consoles and toys. If purchased from an illegitimate website, these items may not work or may not even arrive at all.
Sellers Online Reputation
When searching websites, it is worth trying to find out how new the website is and whether they have sold many things before. Some websites and products are advertised through social media platforms, but it is wise to do some research first before handing over your card details.
Refer to comments from other sellers or see if there are any reviews available online for extra security but beware that scammers can also write fake positive reviews for their own websites or products.
Online Shopping/Phishing Scams
It is important that you pay careful attention to the following when using your credit card to pay for online purchases:
- Do not purchase any product or service from a website that does not have the “https” prefix in their URL address. These sites are not secure
- Ensure the name of the online seller is spelt correctly and not attempting to mimic an actual or reputable business. It is easy to misread a website name e.g westpac.com.au versus the fake www._westpac.com.au or www.west-pac.com.au. Note that the first web address is correct
- Only buy via a secure payment option. If you are paying for goods online at the online checkout, all the online seller needs is your name, postal address and creditcard/paypal number. You should not provide any further information.
- Phishing emails or call centres staff: In Australia there is a significant rise in the number of scams that involve telephone scams followed up by emails. Professional-appearing emails, websites or call centre staff to convince you that the offer or their business is genuine. They also often pretend to be an organisation like a charity, Centrelink, Australia Post, or another service you may use or want to help.
Buying second-hand goods
Shopping online doesn’t always involve buying new things. You may be looking at second-hand items on a digital marketplace like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. Buying second-hand is very common and often you can find a unique or one-of gift for someone, but it is important to be cautious when dealing with sellers. They often will try to get you to pay via internet banking, money wiring, money orders, pre-loaded gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
If you do send money directly to a scammer, it is rare to be able to get it back, so it is important to always conduct your transaction through a secure platform like PayPal, where you have the ability to dispute a charge.
What to do if you have been scammed?
It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your finances if you have been scammed to avoid further losses and you need to consider the following:
- Stop all communication with the scammer and ignoring any new messages or attempts to contact you. You can block their number or email address on your device
- Contact your bank or financial institution or visit a branch as soon as possible to notify them and change the passwords for all your accounts if you have handed over any personal information to the scammer
- Contact the platform you were scammed on to notify them of your circumstances
- Make a report to your local consumer affairs agency, Australian Cyber Security Centre, or the Scamwatch website to help warn others
- Tell your friends and family
Note: If the scam involves the theft of your identity, contact IDCARE as they can help you deal with the consequences of identity theft. You can find more about IDCARE here. or call them on 1800 595 160
The eSafety Commission also has a suite of resources and courses on its website to help people improve their skills and confidence to navigate the internet and how to identify and report scams while online shopping. Find out more here
Have a great Xmas and safe online shopping.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to give our office on 08 9221 5522 or via email – info@camdenprofessionals.com.au , or arrange a time for a meeting so we can discuss your requirements in more detail.
General Advice Warning
The material on this page and on this website has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained on this page and on this website is General Advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. In addition, the examples provided on this page and on this website are for illustrative purposes only.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this page and on this website, Camden Professionals, its officers, representatives, employees, and agents disclaim all liability [except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this website or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.
Tax Scams – How To Spot Them And How To Deal With Them
Tax season can be stressful for many people – and this stress can make you more vulnerable to scammers, who strike at the end of the tax year, hoping to gain an advantage at your expense. In the lead up to tax planning season, we take a look at at some of these scams.
There are unfortunately many different ways that scam artists can trick both individuals and small businesses from parting with their hard-earned money at the end of the financial year. So it literally pays to be aware of the most common tricks, as well as some of the new and creative ways these criminals will try to get a foot in the door.
Here are some of the most common methods in play right now.
Telephone scams
Scammers pretending to be from the ATO are calling people and telling them they have a tax debt that they need to pay straight away. While the ATO will use phone, email and SMS to contact you, they will never:
- send a pre-recorded message to your phone
- threaten you with immediate arrest
- demand payment through unusual methods like gift cards or payments to personal bank accounts
- insist you stay on the line until a payment is made.
Phone calls from the real ATO will show up as ‘No caller ID’ on your phone. If you’re ever unsure whether it’s really the ATO, do not reply. You should phone the ATO on 1800 008 540 to check or contact your tax agent.
Text message scams
Another scam involves a text message supposedly from ‘ATO refund’ offering a tax refund to the recipient. If you click on the link, you’ll be asked for your personal details, Tax File Number (TFN) and credit card number, including the three digit security code on the back. Supposedly, this is so the refund can be deposited in your account but, in reality, it’s so that the scammer can steal money from your credit card.
A slight variation on the same scheme involves the scammer asking for a small fee to be paid via your credit card in order to access your refund. Shortly after paying, much larger deductions will be charged to your card.
Email scams
Phishing scams, in which fake emails are sent out that appear to be from the ATO are also popular and these often feature a subject line that includes the words “tax refund”. These can include a link to a fake website that asks you to enter all of your confidential personal information such as your Tax File Number, bank account details, date of birth, home address and employment information. Or, alternatively, the email may contain a link that unleashes a virus on your computer.
SMS and email scams – cryptocurrency
Scammers pretending to be from the ATO are telling people they are suspected of being involved in cryptocurrency tax evasion. They are then asking them to ‘connect their wallet’ and provide detailed information via a link.
If you receive an SMS or email like this, don’t click on the link. It will take you to a fake myGov log on page, designed to steal your personal information.
Scams advertised on social media
There have been an increasing number of scams, often advertised on social media platforms like, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram involving fake tax file number (TFN) applications.
These scams tell people they can help them get a TFN for a fee, but instead of delivering this service, these fraudulent websites steal the person’s money and personal information.
Be aware – and take action
All calls, messages and emails of this kind should be treated with extreme caution. The ATO, Centrelink, banks and financial institutions will never contact you to request verification of personal details for any reason, including tax returns. Do not click on any link in the message or email, or call a phone number provided by the email.
If you are unsure about the authenticity of a phone call, text message or email, hang up the call, ignore the message, and contact the official company communication line to verify.
If you have provided a scammer with funds or provided personal details, immediately notify the relevant institution – your bank, the ATO or police authorities about your compromised personal details to receive prompt and relevant advice.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to give our office on 08 9221 5522 or via email – info@camdenprofessionals.com.au , or arrange a time for a meeting so we can discuss your requirements in more detail.
General Advice Warning
The material on this page and on this website has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained on this page and on this website is General Advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. In addition, the examples provided on this page and on this website are for illustrative purposes only.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this page and on this website, Camden Professionals, its officers, representatives, employees, and agents disclaim all liability [except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this website or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.
Handy tips to protect yourself from cyber-attacks
Computer security has become a major concern among companies and individuals so much so that cyber security course online programs are now prevalent and easy to find. Hence the need for a quick and effective response to mitigate these attacks. The introduction of new security-related occurrences daily has led to the increase of attacks in cybersecurity. You can lose private information, data and files, including photos, art videos and audio tracks. So it makes sense to back up your files regularly.
- Use online banking wisely
Ever since online banking was established, several threats to financial detail security has been one of the major concerns. The most common threat are malware attacks. The software is designed to steal account details at the login, including your passwords. It may also involve fake website subscriptions and account hijacking. If you use online banking try to adopt some of the following:
- Regularly review and evaluate your bank’s online policies
- Use complex login details. Always change your identification number (PIN). Avoid easy to guess numbers such as year of birth
- Secure your computer by using antivirus software
- Avoid accessing online banking when you are connected to free public Wi-Fi networks
- Check your account balance periodically!
- If you detect unusual activity, take immediate action by contacting the bank
- Mobile phone security
Just like any other personal computer, a smartphone contains a certain feature that makes it easily accessible to attackers. Smartphones need to be equipped with counter-attack measures. Unfortunately, most smartphone owners do not know of security shortcomings. Below are some of the ways you can secure your mobile phone.
- Choose devices that have an emphasis on security features. Your smartphone must have a file encryption feature. This feature protects devices from malicious apps
- Secure your smartphone through configuration. Enable password feature in your device. Choose a complex password with a combination of characters, symbols, and numerics
- Ensure you are securely connected to the internet by configuring web accounts.
- Avoid opening suspicious links and malicious pop-ups.
- Avoid sharing your number on public websites
- Choose your apps keenly by doing some research on them before installing and subscribing them
- In case your device gets stolen, take immediate action. Report the incident to your service provider
- Update your computer software regularly
There is a need to keep everything updated in your software because your device will be at risk if the updates from the provider are not done more often. You should also update your company’s network and your word-press core if you manage websites.
- Back up Plug-ins
No matter how fortified your devices may be, hackers may have new ways of cracking their way through. Therefore, you need to be prepared to quickly recover if something should happen to your important files and data. It is also advisable to keep your backup separate from the main storage. For instance, a USB flash disk or an external hard drive. Remote backup like cloud storage is available too. You can create multiple data backups.
- Use antivirus and anti-malware software
This is the process to equip your computers with antivirus software. Antivirus is software used to prevent, detect, and remove computer viruses. A computer virus is a program that multiplies itself by changing other computer programs and writing its code. When the code is successfully inserted, the affected files are then “infected” with the virus. The most common virus includes Trojan horses, computer worms, etc.
- Server security
There should be a server-side firewall set aside for the option of adding a CDN and SSL. Certificate availability and hosting plans that do not require you to share the server environment with other websites are available. You can also authenticate an SSH server with the use of a pair of SSH keys. This is another option to traditional logins. The keys have more bits compared to a password. These keys are not crackable using most modern computers. The RSA 2048-bit encryption is equal to a password with 617-digit. This key pair includes a private key and a public key.
Website users should check HTTPS and an SSL certificate before entering any details on the webpage. Even when you click on a padlock in the browser, you can check whether the SSL is from a reliable authority or not.
- Payment gateway security – online shopping carts
It is necessary to ensure that your payment gateway provider and any other third party connected to your site is safe. You will also need to choose encryption standards to use for your payment gateway. If a company is dealing with customers’ private payment data, the information should not fall into unauthorised hands. Any breach evident can lead to a poor reflection of the company’s reputation.
- When using instant messaging (IM) programs, be smart
If you chose to use an instant messaging program line WhatsApp or Messenger etc. for communication, do it with great care to avoid sharing personal details online. For protection, you can use a nickname as your IM name. This ensures your name is hidden during IM. Do not allow strangers into your IM groups.
- Download VPN apps
A VPN creates a secure connection between you and the internet. When you use the internet through a VPN, all your data traffic is sent through an encrypted virtual tunnel.
VPN not only helps you with security but with privacy too, so having one is always a great idea. Choosing the best VPN can be a difficult task so always check if the VPN provides free trial so you can test it out before considering it.
- Be aware of phishing attacks
Phishing is a cyber-attack that involves the use of camouflaged email. The aim is to trick you as a customer to believe that the message is important like a request from a bank, for instance, and you may be needed to click a link or download an attachment. Phishing attackers pretend to be a trusted entity of certain nature, mostly a real or imitates a real person or an organisation you are doing business with.
- Use firewalls
Your website host has the firewall in-built for your server in case of e-business. Apart from that, you should think of getting one for your computer. Many security plug-ins come with the firewall built-in. Once an attack is directed towards your computer, a notification is sent to you. The firewall will prevent any entry from outside.
- Choose strong passwords
Always choose a strong password for your email, social media accounts, bank app, or other streaming websites. A strong password makes it difficult for hackers to hack into your account.
- Subscribe to computer security service
You can also subscribe to a security service such as McAfee, Norton and Kaspersky. Their comprehensive security software are industry leading. The software keeps on updating and protecting you every time you go online. They offer an updated combination of programs, giving its users strong and extensive protection from cyber-attacks and identity theft.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to give our office on 08 9221 5522 or via email – info@camdenprofessionals.com.au , or arrange a time for a meeting so we can discuss your requirements in more detail.
General Advice Warning
The material on this page and on this website has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained on this page and on this website is General Advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. In addition, the examples provided on this page and on this website are for illustrative purposes only.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this page and on this website, Camden Professionals, its officers, representatives, employees, and agents disclaim all liability [except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this website or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.
How to fix a low credit score
If you are thinking about applying for a loan or credit you need to make sure your credit score is in order. A good credit score makes all the difference and can be a major factor in securing the loan you need at a great rate and on favourable terms. If you have a bad credit rating, this isn’t the end of the road and there are some key steps you can take to improve your credit rating. You should always be aware of your credit score (credit rating).
Your credit score stays with you and there is no reset button so it’s important not to ignore a low credit score. There are many situations in which a poor credit rating could be a problem in the future and you should know that a low score could mean:
- You might not be approved for credit or loans
- Why do I have a bad credit score to begin with?
- It could be difficult to get approved for a mortgage
- You may have to pay higher interest rates for loans
- Loan applications to start a business could be denied
- It may be hard to finance the purchase of a new car
- Utility and telco providers may not accept your application to switch to them
- Your applications to rent property, whether residential or for business, could be denied
What factors impact your credit score?
There are a wide range of factors that can contribute to a low score and you may not even be aware of the factors that could impact your credit score. Some of the most common factors involve the following:
- Lack of financial management such as not paying bills on time or avoiding payment
- Missing on loan repayments or defaulting on loans
- Making too many applications for credit
- Having your home foreclosed
- Any court judgment on financial payments
- Reporting errors by the credit Sometimes the agency has incorrect personal information, debt information entered multiple times or incorrect amounts of debt recorded, so it’s important to check all the details
- Errors made by the credit provider. Sometimes your bank or credit provider can make mistakes too, like poor communication relating to unpaid debt, or accounts created through identity theft, so it is worth checking all the details.
Fixing your credit score
- Know your score
Order a credit report from more than one credit reporting body (as the score can vary slightly depending on what information they hold).
Check Your Credit Report. Credit score improvement begins with your credit report. If you haven’t already, request a free copy of your credit report and check it for errors. Your credit report contains the data used to calculate your credit rating and, while credit providers and credit reporting bodies must take steps to get things right – there’s still a chance that it may contain errors. Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the credit limits for each of your open accounts is correct. If you find errors on any of your reports, dispute them with the credit reporting agencies or credit providers.
- Check for errors
Ensure that all your personal details are correct including your name and date of birth, to make sure that the credit report is correctly referring to you and your financial history. Make sure the credit reporting body has all the right information regarding your finances so that no debts are accidentally duplicated, plus double check the amounts for each debt listed. The consumer safeguards in the Privacy Act and Privacy (Credit Reporting) Code require credit providers and credit reporting bodies to promptly investigate and respond to consumers’ correction requests about inaccuracies in credit reports.
It is important to contact your bank or credit provider and ensure they correctly notified you of all unpaid debt, check that any listed debt is categorised as ‘in dispute’ rather than ‘outstanding’ and make sure all the debt is yours, and that you’ve not been a victim of identity theft or fraud.
- Fix errors and pay bills on time, every time
If you see errors in your credit report, you must take steps to rectify them. You should seek the services of a financial counsellor and this advice is free, independent and confidential. You should also speak to a broker about your credit report, and they may be able to assist you with errors on your credit report.
You should remember, however, that information, which is correct cannot be removed, so a credit provider or credit reporting body cannot be forced to remove that information to resolve a dispute with you. You should review your credit score at least once a year to check your credit health. These reports are free.
Seemingly little things like late payments and unpaid bills can make a difference when it comes to your credit report. Get on top of these as soon as possible and you can improve your credit score in the long run.
- Improve how you manage your finances
This may seem like a cliché, but only YOU can improve your credit score. Try to make sure your credit card repayments are on time, pay bills on time, and carefully manage your monthly budget. It’s also a good idea to hold off applying for any new credit or loans and lower the limit on any credit cards you currently hold, depending on your circumstances. The longer you pay your bills on time after being late, the more your score should increase. Older credit problems count for less, so poor credit performance won’t haunt you forever. The impact of past credit problems on your score fades as time passes and as recent good payment patterns show up on your credit report, credit providers will see that you are managing your credit well.
- Show lenders you’re good with loans
Having some debt and showing you can manage it responsibly is a great way to boost your credit score and show lenders that you’re a good bet. Having a ‘healthy’ amount of debt, especially a home loan, is helpful – but make sure you stay 100% on top of the repayments at all times.
How long does it take to fix your credit score?
It all depends on the reason for the low score. If it’s a reporting error on the part of the credit agency or your credit provider, then you will see a quick improvement. If you need to clean up your finances, then it will take longer.
It’s important to note that repairing bad credit takes time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score. In fact, out of all the ways to improve a credit score, quick-fix efforts are the most likely to backfire, so beware of any advice that claims to improve your credit score fast. The best advice for rebuilding credit is to manage it responsibly over time. If you haven’t done that, then you need to repair your credit history before you see credit score improvement.
How can we help
EXCLUSIVE OFFER TO OUR READERS! Claim your free no obligation Finance/ Credit Health Check
You can arrange a free 15 minute no obligation chat with our in-house broker to discuss your options. We can also undertake a free check of your credit file. Claim you Free, 15 Minute Financial Health check by completing our contact form here. https://www.camdenprofessionals.com.au/finance/
General Advice Warning
The material on this page and on this website has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained on this page and on this website is General Advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. In addition, the examples provided on this page and on this website are for illustrative purposes only.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this page and on this website, Camden Professionals, its officers, representatives, employees, and agents disclaim all liability [except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this website or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.
How to avoid internet scams while shopping online at Xmas
Have you received a text message saying you have an account that is unpaid, or are you suddenly getting telephone calls from overseas numbers or WhatsApp messages from people you do not know?
The Australian Federal Police is anticipating a surge in scams over the Christmas shopping period, where scammers use legitimate-looking text messages to trick people into handing over personal details which are then sold.
During this holiday period, most Australians will shop online trying to find last minute gifts or bargains, but this is a time where shoppers need to be extra vigilant about online scams.
Many of you may have already been caught up in the Medicare or Optus data breaches and cyber security is becoming an important issue for 2023. Buying online poses additional risks and there are some key things you need to be on the lookout for when you are shopping online or browsing the internet during the holidays.
What should you look out for?
Pricing – If it’s too good to be true, it probably is:
When surfing the internet, it is common to find the same product, service, or experience at varying prices on different websites – an advantage when attempting to compare prices and get the most out of your money. But if something looks unreasonably cheap, that could be a sign that the website or seller is not legitimate and could be a scam to obtain your financial details.
Scamwatch recommends taking extra care this holiday period when purchasing big and expensive items online such as electrical goods, gaming consoles and toys. If purchased from an illegitimate website, these items may not work or may not even arrive at all.
Sellers Online Reputation
When searching websites, it is worth trying to find out how new the website is and whether they have sold many things before. Some websites and products are advertised through social media platforms, but it is wise to do some research first before handing over your card details.
Refer to comments from other sellers or see if there are any reviews available online for extra security but beware that scammers can also write fake positive reviews for their own websites or products.
Online Shopping/Phishing Scams
It is important that you pay careful attention to the following when using your credit card to pay for online purchases:
- Do not purchase any product or service from a website that does not have the “https” prefix in their URL address. These sites are not secure
- Ensure the name of the online seller is spelt correctly and not attempting to mimic an actual or reputable business. It is easy to misread a website name e.g westpac.com.au versus the fake www._westpac.com.au or www.west-pac.com.au. Note that the first web address is correct
- Only buy via a secure payment option. If you are paying for goods online at the online checkout, all the online seller needs is your name, postal address and creditcard/paypal number. You should not provide any further information.
- Phishing emails or call centres staff: In Australia there is a significant rise in the number of scams that involve telephone scams followed up by emails. Professional-appearing emails, websites or call centre staff to convince you that the offer or their business is genuine. They also often pretend to be an organisation like a charity, Centrelink, Australia Post, or another service you may use or want to help.
Buying second-hand goods
Shopping online doesn’t always involve buying new things. You may be looking at second-hand items on a digital marketplace like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. Buying second-hand is very common and often you can find a unique or one-of gift for someone, but it is important to be cautious when dealing with sellers. They often will try to get you to pay via internet banking, money wiring, money orders, pre-loaded gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
If you do send money directly to a scammer, it is rare to be able to get it back, so it is important to always conduct your transaction through a secure platform like PayPal, where you have the ability to dispute a charge.
What to do if you have been scammed?
It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your finances if you have been scammed to avoid further losses and you need to consider the following:
- Stop all communication with the scammer and ignoring any new messages or attempts to contact you. You can block their number or email address on your device
- Contact your bank or financial institution or visit a branch as soon as possible to notify them and change the passwords for all your accounts if you have handed over any personal information to the scammer
- Contact the platform you were scammed on to notify them of your circumstances
- Make a report to your local consumer affairs agency, Australian Cyber Security Centre, or the Scamwatch website to help warn others
- Tell your friends and family
Note: If the scam involves the theft of your identity, contact IDCARE as they can help you deal with the consequences of identity theft. You can find more about IDCARE here. or call them on 1800 595 160
The eSafety Commission also has a suite of resources and courses on its website to help people improve their skills and confidence to navigate the internet and how to identify and report scams while online shopping. Find out more here
Have a great Xmas and safe online shopping.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel free to give our office on 08 9221 5522 or via email – info@camdenprofessionals.com.au , or arrange a time for a meeting so we can discuss your requirements in more detail.
General Advice Warning
The material on this page and on this website has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained on this page and on this website is General Advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs.
Before making an investment decision based on this advice you should consider, with or without the assistance of a securities adviser, whether it is appropriate to your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. In addition, the examples provided on this page and on this website are for illustrative purposes only.
Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this page and on this website, Camden Professionals, its officers, representatives, employees, and agents disclaim all liability [except for any liability which by law cannot be excluded), for any error, inaccuracy in, or omission from the information contained in this website or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.




