Page 195 - Cyber Defense eMagazine September 2025

Password resetting isn’t optional. It’s urgent.

Still using the same password you created in 2012? Then you’re part of the problem.

Qantas frequent flyer accounts are a prime target because people reuse those passwords everywhere -
banking, email, e-commerce. One breach becomes many.

Your new password rulebook:

• Unique for every site.
• Long (at least 12 characters).
• Random (not “Qantas123!” or your child’s name).
• Managed with a password manager. You don’t have to remember 100 passwords – you just need
to remember one good one.

Weak passwords don’t get guessed, they get cracked by bots running billions of combinations in seconds.
If you’re still relying on “clever” variations, you’re already compromised.

Two factor authentication isn’t a luxury. It’s a minimum requirement

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stop account takeovers.
So why aren’t more people using it?

Excuses like “it’s annoying” or “I don’t want to install another app” don’t hold up when your identity is at
risk.

Here's what to do:

• Enable 2FA on every account that offers it—especially loyalty programmes, email, and banking.
• Use an authenticator app (like Microsoft or Google Authenticator) -NOT SMS, which is easier to
hijack.
• Never share or screenshot your authentication codes. They're like handing out keys to your digital
kingdom.
• Shop and travel smarter: Assume you’re being watched
• Cybercriminals love predictable behaviours. Travel is full of them.
• People use unsecured Wi-Fi in airports and hotels.
• They receive dozens of emails from travel brands.
• They’re often distracted, tired, or rushed -perfect conditions for phishing.
• Consumer Tips:
o Don’t shop or log in to sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi unless you’re using a VPN.
o Never use the same email/password combo across shopping and travel sites.
o Use disposable or virtual cards when booking trips or buying online.
o Set up bank alerts for any purchase or login activity.
o Treat every digital interaction while travelling like it’s under surveillance—because it
probably is.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – September 2025 Edition 195
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