Alec the Geek Technology

25/01/2026

Have you ever lost your phone and felt like you’re missing a limb?

We can all agree that mobile phones are convenient, with all your data at your fingertips. But this can make phones a prime target for malicious activity.

Secure your phone with these simple steps:
🔒 Keep it locked with a strong code or biometric
🔒 Back up your data often
🔒 Update your software
🔒 Use secure and reputable apps
🔒 Be careful using free or public Wi-Fi
🔒 Watch out for scams and phishing attempts
🔒 Protect your phone in public spaces

25/01/2026

A useful video for people running Windows on their laptop or desktop computer

25/01/2026

Let’s be honest - who hasn’t reused a password at least once? 🙋

It feels easy, convenient, and you remember it, right? But here’s the catch: if one account gets compromised, it’s like giving hackers a master key to your digital life. 🗝️

Think of it like using the same key for your house, car, and office. If someone finds that key, they’re not just getting into your garage - they’re moving in!

Instead use unique passphrases for accounts and make life harder for hackers.

25/01/2026

Voice Phishing or ‘vishing’ is when cybercriminals use phone calls to trick people into giving out personal or sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords. 📞🗣

What’s scary is these cybercriminals can use software or apps to disguise their voice or even make it look like they are calling you from a real Australian number. These phone calls are usually unexpected, asking you to urgently provide financial or sensitive information.

If you're unsure about a call, you can always politely hang up and call the organisation back on their official number.

To find out more about vishing and other social engineering techniques, visit 👉 cyber.gov.au/threats/types-threats/social-engineering our search 'social engineering' on our website.

18/01/2026

Just published our latest newsletter for Australian seniors. This time it's about avoiding scams.

If you know anyone who could benefit from the information (they don't have to be Australian) then please share.

There is a comment button for people to ask questions which I am happy to answer.

Here are some useful resources to help you avoid scams in 2026

13/01/2026

If I had a Windows machine I would consider running this

Users should proceed with caution, of course, but experts like Signal’s boss Meredith Whittaker are applauding the effort.

13/01/2026

Good Advice

Protecting yourself from data breaches is important. This is where personal information, such as your name, date of birth and credit details, are accessed and used by scammers.

It's important to stay aware of the latest preventative tactics and what steps to take if you have been breached.

Through Be Connected, we are working to equip older Australians with the skills and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. This is part of our commitment to protecting Australian communities from online harm.

For more information on data breaches and how to protect yourself, visit: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/articles-and-tips/data-breaches-what-to-do-and-how-to-protect-yourself-against-scams

02/12/2025

https://substack.com/profile/392826472-alec-the-geek/note/c-183308805?utm_source=substack&utm_content=first-note-modal

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/02/scam-state-multi-billion-dollar-industry-south-east-asia At its heart are “pig-butchering” scams – where a relationship is cultivated online before the scammer pushes their victim to part with their money, often via an “investment” in cryp...

27/11/2025

Alec the Geek has started a fortnightly free security newsletter.

Sign up at

A collection of cybersecurity tips and hints for Australian seniors. Useful for anyone who uses the Internet. Click to read Alec’s Substack on Cyber Security, by Alec the Geek, a Substack publication. Launched 2 months ago.

15/09/2025

I will soon be publishing my book "Staying Safe Online" and I have created a Substack newsletter to stay in touch with readers. If you want to discover more about the book and get security tips then subscribe -- it's free.

Here is the 1st post

I’ve often spoken in my training courses on the dangers of weak passwords, and reusing passwords across accounts.

29/07/2025

Very Handy information.