Staying Safe Online: Protecting Your Wealth in a Digital World
Managing your finances is more convenient than ever.
We can transfer funds in seconds, sign documents from our phones, check super balances on the couch, and receive real-time updates from our bank.
But while access has become easier, protecting what you’ve built has never been more important.
Over the past 12 months, Queensland has seen a significant rise in cyber scams - particularly investment scams, phishing text messages, fake toll notices, parcel delivery scams, and impersonation scams where criminals pretend to be banks, government agencies or even trusted advisers.
For many people, the first sign something is wrong is when money has already left their account.
That’s why cyber awareness isn’t just an IT issue - it’s part of protecting your financial wellbeing.
What’s Happening in Queensland Right Now?
Scamwatch and Queensland Police have reported increased activity in:
Investment scams promising high or guaranteed returns
Phishing emails and SMS messages posing as banks, Australia Post, Linkt toll notices, or myGov
Remote access scams, where criminals offer to “help fix” your computer
Identity theft using leaked passwords from older data breaches
Superannuation account targeting, particularly where two-factor authentication is not enabled
Many of these scams are sophisticated. They use official logos, convincing language, and sometimes even real employee names found online.
Importantly - they don’t just target the vulnerable. They target everyone.
Why This Matters - Even If You’re Careful
We often hear:
“I’d never click on something suspicious.”
“I’m very cautious online.”
And that’s great.
But modern cyber crime doesn’t rely on carelessness - it relies on familiarity, urgency, and human psychology.
A text that looks like it’s from your bank.
An email that appears to come from a government agency.
A missed delivery notice when you’re expecting a parcel.
Cyber criminals aren’t trying to outsmart technology - they’re trying to outsmart people.
The good news? A few simple habits dramatically reduce your risk.
7 Practical Steps to Protect Yourself
You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You just need consistency.
1. Strengthen Your Passwords
Think of passwords as the locks on your financial front door.
Use long, unique passwords for every account
Avoid reusing passwords across banking, email and super
Consider using a reputable password manager
If one password is compromised, you don’t want it unlocking everything else.
2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This is one of the most powerful protections available.
Two-factor authentication means logging in requires:
Something you know (your password), and
Something you have (a code sent to your phone or generated by an app)
Even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your account without that second step.
If given the choice:
Authenticator app or SMS - best
Email verification - better than nothing, but less secure
At Total Wealth Group, we require two-factor authentication wherever possible as part of our commitment to protecting client information.
3. Protect Your Email First
Your email is often the master key.
It’s used to reset banking passwords, access super accounts, and verify identity.
Make sure:
Your email password is strong and unique
Two-factor authentication is enabled
You regularly review login alerts
If someone gains access to your email, they can often access much more.
4. Be Cautious With Unexpected Messages
Pause before clicking.
Don’t click links in unsolicited texts or emails
Go directly to the company’s official website instead
Be wary of urgency (“Act now or your account will be closed”)
Scams rely on panic and speed. Slowing down is your defence.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Tasks
Public Wi-Fi is convenient - but not always secure.
Avoid logging into banking or super accounts while using café, airport or hotel Wi-Fi unless you are using a secure VPN.
6. Keep Devices Updated
Software updates may feel annoying, but they patch security vulnerabilities.
Keep your phone, tablet and computer updated
Use reputable antivirus software
Remove apps you no longer use
Think of updates as maintenance for your digital home.
7. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
A quick weekly check can prevent major issues.
Review bank and credit card transactions
Check superannuation balances
Report anything unfamiliar immediately
Early detection can make all the difference.
A Calm and Practical Approach
Cyber security can feel overwhelming - especially when media headlines focus on large breaches and billion-password leaks.
But this isn’t about fear.
It’s about awareness.
Just as we diversify investments to manage financial risk, we build simple habits to manage digital risk.
You don’t need to become an expert. You just need to be proactive.
Final Thoughts
Retirement planning isn’t just about growing wealth - it’s about protecting it.
In today’s world, protecting your financial wellbeing includes protecting your digital access.
At Total Wealth Group, we invest heavily in secure systems behind the scenes. But cyber safety is a shared responsibility. If you ever receive something suspicious - particularly if it appears to come from us - please call the office directly before responding.
Staying secure isn’t about paranoia.
It’s about peace of mind.
And peace of mind is what good planning is all about.