How we’re protecting your information online
Just as a home benefits from having a locked door and a security system, keeping your information secure online requires multiple layers of protection. That’s why Apia is introducing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all online accounts, with options to suit your preferences.
Understanding multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that’s activated when you sign into an online account, like Apia Online Services. If you use the Australian Government’s MyGov services online, you may already be familiar with it.
It works by requiring two or more verification steps before you can access your account. Generally:
- you type in something you know, like your password, then
- you confirm with something you have, such as a code sent to your mobile phone or secure email address.
This second layer of protection ensures that only you can access your account. So, even if someone discovers your password, they won't be able to access your information with that password alone.
Log in to Apia Online Services
Why Apia is enhancing security
When you choose Apia as your insurer, you place your trust in us to safeguard your personal details. We take that responsibility very seriously.
Every security improvement we put in place has two main goals:
- Safeguarding your information.
- Ensuring you feel confident your details are secure.
Your security and privacy are our top priorities, and we're dedicated to protecting both.
Why we need to move beyond using passwords alone
Nearly half of all Australians say their passwords are easy to guess, and 1.4 million of us use the same passwords across ten or more accounts.1 While these statistics are understandable - remembering multiple passwords can be challenging – it’s not ideal for keeping our accounts secure in today’s digital world.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals take advantage of our security shortcuts, using powerful computers that can test billions of passwords every second. While robust passwords – like those created by a password manager – are harder to compromise, the reality is usernames and passwords by themselves no longer provide enough protection against today’s cyber threats on their own.
This is where multi-factor authentication comes in. It's one of the most straightforward, effective ways to prevent someone from stealing information from your account.
Making security work for you
Good security should be simple to use. Apia lets you set up multi-factor authentication in a way that suits you.
Prefer not to verify every time you sign in? We can remember your preferred internet browser or device for 90 days, so you won’t have to keep verifying. Just note that you'll need to complete the process again:
- when the 90 days expire, or
- if you log in from a different device or browser.
Instead of using a mobile, you can choose to receive one-time passwords (OTP) through your email address instead. This ensures you can still access your account securely even if you:
- misplace your phone,
- don't have your device handy, or
- change your mobile number.
Do I have to use MFA?
No. While we strongly recommend using MFA to safeguard your sensitive information online, it remains optional. You can choose not to enable this feature if you prefer.
Support when you need it
Our support team is here to help make additional security as seamless as possible.
Whether you need assistance setting up multi-factor authentication or have questions about using it, we're just a phone call or a chat message away. For help, just get in touch with us.
1 SBS News. (2024, June). Are you making any of these common password mistakes? Here's how to protect yourself.
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Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency Pty Ltd (Apia) ABN 14 099 650 996 AR 239591 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 (AAI), the issuer of Home, Landlord, Car, Caravan, Motorhome, Boat, Travel & Compulsory Third Party Personal Injury (CTP) Insurance.
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