Here are some suggestions for improving your online security protection through some simple steps which shouldn’t take long or cost much money. Keep your device software up-to-date Cybercriminals, malicious software and computer viruses are always looking for ways into your devices. One of the most common ways they do this is through exploiting weakness in software—also known as vulnerabilities. Much like a thief attempting to break into a home, cybercriminals will always look for the easiest way in. When your …

The first man-made plastic was created by Alexander Parkes and demonstrated at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London. This new material, ‘nitrocellulose’, was organic (plant-based) rather than synthetic (oil-based). It could be moulded into a shape when heated but retained this shape when cooled. Unfortunately, it was also highly flammable. In fact an early use for nitrocellulose was as a substitute called guncotton to using expensive gunpower. The Parkesine company was formed to mass-produce nitrocellulose but it failed when …

Borrowed from: A Mildly Terrifying Conversation About AI With Dr Catriona Wallace Dr Catriona Wallace gave one of the keynote speeches at the Customer-Owned Banking Association conference in September. She is an expert in the field of Artificial Intelligence, an adjunct professor, Australian government advisor on AI, founder of one of the first Artificial Intelligence companies to list on the Australian Securities Exchange and the co-author of the book Checkmate Humanity: the how and why of Responsible AI. She’s also apparently on a …

An internationally renowned leader in the field of Positive Psychology Dr. Tim Sharp (aka Dr. Happy) has three degrees in psychology (including a Ph.D.) and an impressive record as an academic, clinician and coach. He is the founder & CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) of The Happiness Institute, Australia’s first organisation devoted solely to enhancing happiness in individuals, families and organisations. Achieving happiness requires nothing more than practicing a few simple disciplines, every day. Dr Happy CHOOSE to be happy This …

Nathan Lynch wrote a best-selling book on money laundering and organised crime in Australia. It’s called The Lucky Laundry and we’re giving away five copies of his book to the first five First Option members to email [email protected] with the correct answer to this question…. “What is the dual role of AUSTRAC in Australian banking?” This free podcast is a no-holds-barred conversation between Nathan and Ryan Faulkner-Hogg: it is as fascinating as it is confronting when he puts the scale …

On Tuesday 14 November 2023 we will require all our members to change your passwords, and ensure that they are ‘strong’ passwords or passphrases. Quick tips for strong passwords Below is a more detailed explanation of what makes for a secure password according to the Australian government’s Signals Directorate: Principles for strong passphrases Whenever you can, use a passphrase instead of a password. By following as many of these principles as you can, you will know you have created the …

The sixth intergenerational report (IGR) was released by the Treasurer last month, documenting key demographic and economic trends that will impact Australia’s growth potential, living standards, and fiscal position (debt and deficits) over the next four decades. These key trends are: •          population ageing •          technological and digital transformation •          climate change and the net zero transformation •          rising demand for care and support services •          geopolitical risk and fragmentation. The first IGR was commissioned by former Treasurer Peter Costello, …

The Annual General Meeting of First Option Bank Ltd will be held at 12:00 on Tuesday 28 November 2023 at First Option Bank, Ground Floor Meeting Room, 574 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004. Members are invited to attend but must register beforehand by emailling [email protected] or calling our Member Services Team. Click to read the official notice of the 2023 Annual General Meeting, including the agenda.

With the rising cost of living putting pressure on household budgets, Australians are looking to online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree to turn their unwanted items into cash. However cybercriminals are targeting these platforms with a range of scams that can leave unwary buyers and sellers out of pocket. Here we look at four common scams and how to protect yourself online.  Facebook Marketplace is great for buying and selling second hand items. It connects you with other …