Do you make these internet security mistakes?

So you've got the latest anti-virus software installed on your computer and you don't get sucked into those emails asking you to "confirm" your internet banking login.

You're safe on the internet, right?

Ask yourself whether you do any of the following...

1) Use the same password at multiple different websites

2) Have your computer set to 'auto-login' so you don't have to enter the password each time

3) Have your web browser set to automatically fill usernames & passwords

4) Store your credit card details on your computer in a text file for convenience

5) Have your date of birth in your user profile on websites

If you do any of the above, you're putting yourself at high risk of being scammed online.

Here's why.

1) If one website gets hacked and passwords stolen, the hackers will be able to get into your account at other websites. So, even if your it's your local social club website that's hacked, the hackers may be able to get into an online retailer account and start ordering goods billed to you.

2) If your laptop is stolen, the contents of your hard drive could be a rich melting pot of information about you that could be used to apply for loans and credit cards in your name, or used in 'social engineering' scams (in plain English, "cons" where a thief convinces someone they're you, or acting on your behalf, given they know so much about you.)

3) Leaving it up to your web browser to automatically fill in passwords means if your computer is ever stolen, or used by someone without your approval, they could have full access to all the online services you use.

4) Storing your credit card details in an unencrypted file leaves those details open to computer malware that could scan your computer for card details and send them back to a fraudster.

5) Your date of birth is one of the most valuable pieces of information for a fraudster wanting to fake your identity for nefarious purposes. You should treat it as private information to strangers - including everyone worldwide who uses the internet.

This week is National Cyber Security Awareness Week -- and while these are just five examples of things to avoid, there's a great blog with more tips about how to improve your online security.

Information security in the online realm

How to keep your information private while still enjoying social networking sites like Facebook

Good password management: what is it?

How to devise hard-to-crack but easy-to-remember passwords, and tips to manage them

Acknowledging your "digital exhaust"

Be aware of the trail of "digital exhaust" you leave as you use the web -- and how it could be used against you.

Safe banking tips

How to keep thieves out of your bank accounts

Computer clubs for older Australians

Get to know internet security better through a local computer club

Whether you're still on dial-up internet or you're one of the first in the country to be on a 100 Mbps NBN fibre connection, the rules of internet security apply universally. Check out the government's Stay Smart Online website for more useful guides.