top of page
Follow our Blog
Catch all the latest news in cybersecurity, endpoint security, malware and anti-virus threats by signing up for our Blog.
When you sign up we will send you an email notification to alert you to a new post so you won't miss a thing.


Phishing Scams in Australia: How to Spot the Bait Before You Get Hooked
Phishing scams are becoming increasingly convincing. Learn how to recognise five common phishing techniques, spot the warning signs and protect yourself or your Australian business.

Jason Riley
Aug 197 min read


What Does "Unverified" Mean on Text Messages?
Australia has introduced new protections against SMS scams. Learn what "Unverified" means, why it appears on some text messages, and how to protect yourself from scammers.

Jason Riley
Jul 93 min read


New SMS Scam Protection Arrives on 1 July 2026 – What Every Australian Needs to Know
From 1 July 2026, Australians will see a major change to text messaging designed to make scams easier to identify.
New ACMA regulations require businesses to register their SMS Sender IDs, helping prevent scammers from impersonating trusted organisations such as Optus, Telstra, Australia Post, banks and government agencies. The changes provide an important new layer of protection, particularly for seniors and other frequent scam targets. Learn more in our latest blog...

Jason Riley
Jun 304 min read


What Happens to Your Facebook Account When You Die?
Most Australians have spent years building an online presence.
Family photos, messages, friendships, memories and milestones are often stored on Facebook.
But have you ever considered what happens to your account after you die?
For many families, dealing with digital accounts can be confusing and emotionally challenging during an already difficult time.
Fortunately, Facebook provides options that allow users to plan ahead and make things easier for loved ones.

Jason Riley
Jun 242 min read


What Your Wi-Fi Network Security Says About You — and Why Cyber Criminals Love It
Most Australians think hackers only target big companies, banks, or government agencies. The reality is far less dramatic — and far more personal.
Today, your home internet connection can reveal a surprising amount about you. Your smart TV, security cameras, printer, gaming console, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart speakers, and even your fridge may all be connected to the same network. To a cyber criminal, that network can look like an open front door.
Learn how to s

Jason Riley
May 224 min read


The Call That Almost Got Me: A Real Banking Scam Story Every Australian Should Read
It started like any other afternoon.
But what followed was one of the most convincing scam attempts I’ve ever encountered — and I say that as someone who knows what to look for.
The caller was a male with a British accent, calm and professional. He introduced himself as being from the NAB fraud team.
Straight away, he had my attention.
Then came the hook.....

Jason Riley
Apr 303 min read


When Memory Fades, Risk Grows: Dementia, Banking & Scams - A Darwin Story Every Family Needs to Hear
It started quietly.
A normal Sunday morning in Darwin. A cup of tea, a familiar routine, and a quick check of the bank account, something this elderly woman had done countless times before.
But this time was different.
She saw a large transfer between her accounts (many tens of thousands of dollars). The money had moved… but she had no memory of doing it.
That moment, in that flicker of confusion, was the first real warning that something had changed....

Jason Riley
Apr 227 min read


A Simple Guide to Social Media Safety
Social media has become one of the easiest ways to stay in touch with family and friends. Whether it’s seeing photos of the grandkids, catching up with old mates, or joining local community groups, platforms like Facebook have made it simple and enjoyable.
But it also comes with risks. Scammers, fake accounts, and misleading information are becoming more common. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can enjoy social media safely and confidently.
Learn how, rig

Jason Riley
Apr 143 min read


The $110 Bookmark Mistake: When Online Shopping Goes Wrong After Surgery
At Arafura Consulting & Media, we often talk about scams, phishing, and online threats. However, sometimes the biggest risks don’t come from criminals at all—they come from simple, human moments when we’re not at our best.
This is the story of a retiree who did everything right… and still ended up with a confusing, costly mistake.

Jason Riley
Apr 103 min read


The Best Computers for Senior Australians: A Simple, Safe Guide to Getting Started
For many Australians, computers weren’t part of everyday life growing up. So stepping into today’s digital world can feel overwhelming. The good news? Modern computers are more user-friendly than ever — and with the right device, getting online can be simple, enjoyable, and safe.
A National Seniors Australia guide suggests computers open doors to connection, entertainment, lifelong learning, and creativity.
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.

Jason Riley
Mar 34 min read


💔 When Love Turns to Loss: A Cautionary Tale for Australians About Online Romance Scams
A recent A Current Affair investigation uncovered a heartbreaking story of how a man lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to online romance scammers. After his death, his ex-wife found bank statements, receipts and tens of thousands of dollars in gift cards sent to scammers he believed were love interests. He even took out a reverse mortgage of $150,000 to continue funding the relationships, despite having very real financial needs at home.

Jason Riley
Feb 233 min read


The 5 Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors in Australia Right Now
Scams are getting smarter. But thankfully, so are we.
Across Australia, seniors are being targeted more frequently than ever before. However, most scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, they become much easier to spot.
Let’s calmly walk through the five most common scams happening right now.

Jason Riley
Feb 173 min read


Setting Up a New Android Phone: A Simple Guide for Australians
If you’ve just bought a new Android phone, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty — especially if this is your first time using an Android device.
That’s perfectly normal. Many senior Australians and small business owners tell us the same thing: “I just want to set it up properly and not break anything.”
The good news is that Android phones are designed to guide you step by step.
Let’s go through it slowly, in plain English.

Jason Riley
Feb 62 min read


New iPhone SetUp Guide: A Simple Guide for First-Time Users (and Upgraders)
Buying a new iPhone is exciting — but if you’ve never owned an Apple device before, it can also feel a little daunting. You’re not alone. Many senior Australians and small business owners tell us the same thing: “I just want it to work properly without messing it up.”
The good news? Apple has made iPhones easier than ever to set up. Let’s walk through it together, step by step, in plain English.

Jason Riley
Feb 33 min read


Why We Write This Blog (And Why It Matters)
At Arafura Consulting & Media, we don’t write this blog to chase clicks, trends, or scare people into buying things they don’t need.
We write it because technology is now part of everyday life, and too many people are being left to figure it out alone. Learn more about what we do.

Jason Riley
Jan 292 min read


Choosing the Best Antivirus Software in Australia: Why Sophos Intercept X Advanced Stands Above the Rest
If you search for “best antivirus software in Australia,” you’ll quickly find familiar names like Norton, Bitdefender, AVG, ESET and Avira. These products dominate comparison lists because they’re easy to install, reasonably priced, and packed with extra features like VPNs and password managers.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Learn about it in our latest blog...

Jason Riley
Jan 153 min read


The Ultimate New Device Setup Guide — Stay Cyber-Safe from Day One
Got a new smartphone, tablet, laptop or smart device? Congratulations! But before you dive in, take a few minutes to setup your device securely and protect your personal info, identity and digital life from cyber threats.
Here’s a simple, practical checklist designed for Australians, to help you stay safe, secure and connected.

Jason Riley
Jan 132 min read


Are Chinese Vehicles a Security Risk?What Australian Authorities Are Really Saying — and What Consumers Should Know
Australian drivers are buying more connected vehicles than ever before. Many of them are electric. Many are made by Chinese manufacturers.
That combination has raised questions about data security, privacy, and national interest, and while social media is full of speculation, Australian authorities have taken a far more measured approach.
So what are Australian security agencies actually saying?

Jason Riley
Jan 93 min read


Santa Got Hacked: A Christmas Cyber Safety Lesson for Aussies
Picture this: Santa’s just finished checking the weather over the Nullarbor, Mrs Claus is sipping a flat white, and the elves are tuning up the sleigh for the big run Down Under. All seems merry — until a dodgy email nearly wrecks Christmas Eve. It happened like this …

Jason Riley
Dec 19, 20253 min read


Why Software Updates Matter for Tradies & Sole Traders
If you’re a tradie or sole trader, software updates are probably low on your priority list. You’ve got jobs to quote, invoices to send, tools to maintain, and customers waiting.
An update that pops up during the workday feels like bad timing. However, skipping updates is one of the biggest cyber risks facing tradies and one-person businesses in Australia. Cyber criminals actively target sole traders because they know time is tight, and systems are often left unpatched.

Jason Riley
Dec 18, 20253 min read
bottom of page
