Cyber Safety: Protecting your personal information

October 13, 2022

Over the past few weeks, online scams and cyber security have become front-page news as personal information was compromised in online, fraudulent activity. While the news about these large telecommunication companies being targeted may be worrying, it also serves as a stark reminder that cyber-crime in Australia is continuing to rise.

Personal Information Online

The true cost of scams can pose more than a financial risk – they can have life-changing consequences for many.

When it comes to your personal information, it is important to remember that scammers can use personal details to commit fraudulent activities, such as changing account details or opening new accounts in your name, so it is important to stay vigilant. When an offender steals another person’s identity for financial gain or other benefits, it is known as identity theft.

Common signs of identity theft include:

Phishing

Phishing is a type of fraud where the scammer delivers an electronic communication that appears to come from a legitimate service or reputable source. The scammer may contact you by email, phone or SMS, or also on social media.

The offender aims to con recipients into revealing confidential information that can then be used for their financial advantage e.g., online login details or passwords.

Signs of a phishing scam include:

The email address does not match the company name or domain.
Check that the email address of the sender is authentic. If you’re unsure, contact the business directly using the contact details that you have sourced independently and are legitimate.
There are spelling and grammatical errors.
Written mistakes are often signs that the communication could be a scam.
You are asked to update or to confirm personal details.
If you are requested to act or do something, the offender is trying to obtain your personal details. Think twice before handing important personal details across.
You are asked for immediate action.
Scammers aim to create a sense of urgency to encourage immediate response. Take time to consider and check if the communication is real.

Hacking

Hacking is the activity that gains unauthorised access to systems and data. This access may have been gained via your computer, mobile device or network.

When a scammer hacks your device or network, they will use your personal details to commit more fraudulent activity, such directly accessing banking accounts and details.

While this type of identity theft is more direct, it is equally concerning as fraudsters can obtain direct access to important accounts. Common signs of compromise include:

Inability to log-in to computer, device or online account.
Unusual or new icons appear on your device.
Pop-up boxes appear on your screen, offering help or asking you to ‘close’ the message.
Unexpected, large phone, data or internet bills.
Unusual banking transactions.
No phone reception.

What more can you do to protect yourself and your personal information?

With cyber offenders becoming more sophisticated and active, keeping alert and knowing what to look for may help you spot and prevent suspicious activity. Here are tips to stay ahead of scammers:

Stay aware and understand the different types of scams
Ensure your personal details are secure and difficult to guess
Keep passwords, login details and PINs safe. Never share this information with anyone, including your service providers. Choose passwords and PINs that are difficult to guess or use a password manager to manage and create difficult passwords. Where possible also ensure you opt-in for multi-factor authentication where two proof points are used to confirm your identity e.g., email and phone number.
Remain cautious of requests for information
If the request doesn’t seem right, speak to someone you can trust, or try a different method of communication to double-check your concerns.

For detailed information regarding the Optus data breach visit: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/recent-scam-activity/optus-data-breach-scams.

To learn more about phishing scams or how to protect your personal information, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch website: www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Staying Fraud Safe: A Recent Case Study

April 1, 2025

In a world where the threat of fraud is constantly evolving, staying safe online is not just good practice — it’s essential. CDF recently helped identify and stop a fraud attempt on a client account that could have led to the loss of a significant amount of money. Here’s how it unfolded and what you can learn to protect your own digital security at home and at work. The power of human firewalls This situation, involving a current CDF customer, showcases a recent prevented fraud attempt: CDF received a transfer request from a registered client’s email address The transfer request involved making a payment to a new account, which the client had not previously transacted to CDF staff followed internal processes, requesting additional verification from the client When the fraudster couldn't provide further information, the staff member called the client directly This phone call revealed the email account had been compromised In this attempt, it was the human element that added the extra layer of security to an already robust internal process – it demonstrates the importance of proper security procedures when handling transfer requests, especially to new bank accounts. " Technology like emails can be compromised and used for fraud. Staying proactive, adhering to processes, and maintaining regular training is critical ," says CDF Information Security Manager, David Huang.

New National Platform for Catholic Events Launches: Introducing CathEvents Australia

March 31, 2025

Media Release A new online hub for Catholic events, CathEvents, has officially launched, providing a central platform for Catholics across Australia to find, share, and promote events that foster connection, faith, and Catholic leadership. CathEvents has been developed through the foresight and leadership of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP), in partnership with and supported by the Catholic Development Fund (CDF). This innovative initiative is designed to serve as Australia’s pre-eminent site for Catholic events, creating new opportunities for individuals and organisations to engage with one another and grow in their fa ith. For some years, Catholic events have been promoted to members on the AMPJP website, but in response to the call of the Plenary Council and Synod on Synodality to increase formation, AMPJP has established CathEvents as a national service to all Catholics and Catholic organisations. "CathEvents represents an important step in connecting Catholic communities around Australia. It is a place where anyone—whether from a parish, school, ministry, or community group—can easily find and share events that bring many more people together in faith and fellowship," said Moira Najdecki, Chair of AMPJP. The platform features a wide variety of events, including retreats, workshops, conferences, faith formation sessions, leadership training and special celebrations. It is designed to be user-friendly, enabling organisations to submit events for free and allowing visitors to search by category, location, and date. "We are proud to support CathEvents as part of our commitment to strengthening Catholic communities," said Brendan Hoy, General Manger Client Services at CDF. " This platform will provide a valuable resource for all those across the sector seeking to learn, grow and engage more deeply with their faith or one another." Key Features of CathEvents: Comprehensive listing of Catholic events nationwide. Easy-to-use search and filter functions. Free event submission for Catholic organisations and groups. Focus on community connection, faith formation and leadership development. CathEvents is now live and can be accessed at: www.cathevents.org.au Catholic organisations, parishes, schools, and individuals are warmly invited to visit the site, explore upcoming events, and contribute their own events to share with the wider community. Please note - CathEvents is not associated with CathNews, and is a separate service to the Australian Catholic community. About AMPJP The Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP) is a national association of Catholic entities entrusted with the mission of governance and leadership within the Church. Its member organisations minister in health, aged care, community services and education. AMPJP promotes collaboration, formation, and shared mission among Catholic organisations. About Catholic Development Fund (CDF) CDF provides financial solutions to Catholic organisations that balance margin and mission for the common good. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching, CDF supports Catholic schools, parishes, healthcare, aged care, and social service facilities, primarily through funding capital development projects, that strengthen the Church’s mission and ensure its lasting impact on the community. For media enquiries, please contact: Martin Teulan Executive Director, AMPJP 0408 867 046 executive.director@ampjp.org.au For website enquiries and advertising, please contact: Tony Biviano Project Leader 0448 465 128 cathevents@ampjp.org.au

Congratulations to Bishop George Kolodziej, the new Bishop of Bunbury

March 24, 2025

Catholic Development Fund (CDF) congratulates Bishop George Kolodziej SDS on his ordination and installation as the fifth Bishop of Bunbury. The ceremony took place on March 19, 2025, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, at St Patrick's Cathedral in Bunbury. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), presided over the ceremony as principal consecrator, and was joined by more than 19 bishops from across Australia, including CDF’s Board Member Most Rev. Anthony J. Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. Tim O’Leary, CDF Deputy Chair of the Board, and Matthew Cassin, CDF Chief Executive Officer, were also in attendance amongst distinguished guests. Apostolic Nuncio Charles Balvo presented the Papal Bull during the ceremony, which brought together the entire Bunbury Catholic community—clergy, seminarians, acolytes, altar servers, musicians, choir members, Salvatorian priests from across Australia, and representatives from Catholic Education Western Australia Ltd and Catholic Religious Australia. In his poignant homily, Archbishop Costelloe highlighted the significance of Bishop George's middle name being Joseph, noting, "Perhaps today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, we might look to him as a model of this tender and compassionate presence to others, a model especially, though not only, for our soon-to-be Bishop George."

CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.