Start with safety
Cybercrime and online abuse can feel urgent, especially when an account, device, money, or personal information may be involved. If there is an immediate threat to life or risk of harm, call 000.
Support needs can differ between a compromised account, scam, online threat, image-based abuse, identity theft, and concerns about technology-facilitated abuse. A one-size-fits-all response is not appropriate. Start by considering what feels safest in your situation.
Keep information only if it is safe to do so
If it feels safe, make a brief record of what happened. This may include account notices, transaction references, messages, web addresses, usernames, dates, or screenshots. Keep information in a place that is appropriate for your circumstances. Avoid sharing sensitive material through public social media or unsecured channels.
If you believe someone else may have accessed your device or accounts, pause before making major changes. You may prefer to use a safer device or seek specialist support first. A sudden change to passwords, settings, location sharing, or a device could be noticed by another person and may not be safe in every situation.
Use the appropriate Australian reporting pathway
Australia’s national cybercrime reporting service, ReportCyber, provides a way to report cybercrime and cyber security incidents and includes recovery information. For online harms such as adult cyber abuse or image-based abuse, the eSafety Commissioner provides information and reporting pathways.
These are different services with different purposes. You may not need to use every pathway. Choose the source that matches the incident and your safety needs. If you are unsure, start with the official service’s own guidance rather than relying on advice shared through social media or unknown websites.
Take the next step at your own pace
Once immediate safety has been addressed, you may choose one manageable next action. That could be reading the relevant official guide, speaking with a trusted person, contacting a bank or service provider through its official channels, or writing down questions before seeking support. You do not need to share details with Shield & Rebuild to use this information.
Shield & Rebuild’s Interactive Security Planner is a general browser-based tool for thinking about physical and digital safety concerns. It is not a reporting channel, a forensic service, or a substitute for police, ReportCyber, eSafety, or specialist technology-safety support.
Related official sources
- Australian Cyber Security Centre — ReportCyber
Australian Government reporting and recovery information for cybercrime and cyber security incidents.
- eSafety Commissioner — Online safety
Official information and reporting pathways for online harms.
- 1800RESPECT — Technology and safety
Safety considerations where device or account changes could create additional risk.