Blog/News

How to manage and protect your passwords to keep you safe online Passwords form the foundation of our online safety, whether that’s banking, healthcare, or even our social connections. If they’re weak or reused, they can make you vulnerable to criminals. “When your data is leaked in a breach, scammers can use it to impersonate you, trick you into clicking malicious links, or try your passwords on other websites. They might even use that stolen information to lock your files and demand a ransom,” COBA Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience Martin Latimer said. Strong passwords are our first line of defence against cybercriminals, and amid rising data breaches across Australia, there’s never been a greater need for good password hygiene. To help you figure out the best way to strengthen your passwords - and why this matters - COBA’s Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience team have put together some simple tips.   Why does password hygiene matter? Data breaches can be a goldmine for scammers, providing them with a trove of personal and payment information that can then be exploited. In the first six months of 2025, over 10,000 individuals were affected by cyber incidents, with malicious or criminal attacks comprising the largest source of data breaches, according to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. “Having strong passwords is crucial to ensure cybercriminals can’t access your banking, government or healthcare accounts or target you with malware,” Latimer explained.   How to build stronger passwords Strengthening your passwords doesn’t mean making them harder to remember — it means making them harder to crack. Longer, word-based phrases (known as passphrases) are usually a strong choice. Consider a string of random words that only you can stitch together to create a unique phrase (for example: “train hall idea work” or “television table bottle snack”). Avoid using personal information or common, predictable words. “Safe passwords typically have 10 or more characters - the longer, the better! You should further strengthen your password by combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols, including swaps like ! for 1 or @ for A,” Latimer said.   Managing your passwords It’s important not to share your passwords with anyone - including loved ones - and to ensure you are using different passwords for your various accounts. Always enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s available. This adds two or more verification methods to create an extra layer of safety on your accounts. MFA may involve passkeys, one-time passwords (OTPs), or biometric verification. Additionally, pay attention to where your passwords are being saved. “While many may do this for convenience, blindly saving your passwords in your browser to be auto-filled can put your cybersecurity at risk,” Latimer cautioned. Instead, opt for a reputable password manager with a strong master password. Ensure it offers strong privacy and security features such as encryption, MFA, and alerts if your passwords have been exposed in a breach.   What to do if your passwords have been compromised It’s important to be aware of the signs of a data breach so you know if your password has been compromised. Look out for suspicious activity such as unauthorised transactions, unfamiliar log-ins, unsolicited password resets, or alerts from financial institutions or service providers (even those you don’t normally use). You can also check if you were affected by a data breach using platforms such as Have I Been Pwned. If you believe your passwords may have been compromised, take immediate action to secure your accounts. Update your passwords across important accounts and run anti-virus software on your devices (including your phone) to check for ransomware. If you are contacted by someone you suspect is a scammer, report the scam to the National Anti-Scam Centre – Scamwatch to help protect others. For more information on how you can strengthen your online safety and keep your personal information secure, visit Cyber.gov.au.

Women and Property 2026 report findings   Cotality is a global leader in property information, analytics, and data‑enabled solutions. They recently conducted their sixth annual Women and Property Report, exploring property ownership by Australians across gender and age groups. Property ownership still follows a familiar pattern: the older people are, the more likely they are to own their home. Around three‑quarters of Baby Boomers are homeowners, either outright or with a mortgage. By comparison, only about a third of Gen Z have managed to enter the property market. When it comes to income, most young women and men fall under the $100k mark - but women are more concentrated at the lower end. Almost 30% of Gen Z women earn under $40k, compared with about 20% of Gen Z men. Younger women, in particular, don’t see home ownership as a top life priority the way older generations do. Whether that’s because of a discouraging housing market or simply different lifestyle values, owning a home just doesn’t hold the same weight for them. For those who have bought property, the biggest motivations were financial stability (40%), having secure living arrangements (39%), family needs (34%), and wanting to avoid renting (27%). Across the board, younger generations feel less prepared to buy a home - both financially and in terms of understanding the buying process. Two in five Gen Z women said saving a deposit was a major challenge, compared with about one in four women from older generations. When it comes to improving their homes, young women tend to focus on small, sustainable upgrades like LED lighting and draft‑proofing. In contrast, young men and older generations (often with higher incomes) are more likely to invest in bigger, costlier improvements like solar panels or insulation.   Cotality (2026). Australian Women and Property Report. Retrieved from https://www.cotality.com/au (subscription required)

9 ways to spot financial abuse – and what your customer-owned bank can do about it Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence where money is used to control, track or trap someone, and it occurs in nearly all cases of domestic violence.  Financial abuse may see victim/survivors lose access to their money, be manipulated into making financial decisions, or even be pressured to sign over documents or take on debt. Customer-owned banks are dedicated to disrupting financial abuse, and have joined forces with financial safety expert Catherine Fitzpatrick, Founder of Flequity Ventures, and other banks and finance firms to launch the Financial Safety Alliance.  “Everyone, including businesses and banks, has a role to play if we are going to meet the ambition of ending gendered violence in a generation,” Ms. Fitzpatrick said.  “Research shows that women are more likely to talk to their bank about economic abuse than to a specialist family violence service provider. This is because money gives you choices – to leave, to disentangle and to start again.”  Because financial abuse relies on control and secrecy, it is often hidden, leaving victims/survivors unaware they are being targeted.   Here are some of the warning signs of economic and financial abuse.    1. Total control of household income One of the most common signs of financial abuse is when one person assumes complete control over all household earnings, regardless of who earned them. They might decide how every cent is spent and force the other person to ask for an "allowance." This often involves withholding funds for basic necessities like food, medicine, or clothing, creating a state of total dependency.   2. Unauthorised accumulation of debt This occurs when an abuser opens credit cards or takes out loans in a partner's name without their knowledge or consent. They may also pressure someone to increase credit limits or force them to act as a guarantor for loans they cannot afford. This tactic leaves the victim legally responsible for debt they did not create, damaging their credit score and future financial freedom.   3. Misuse of joint accounts and assets Joint accounts are frequently exploited, especially during times of relationship strain or separation. A perpetrator might drain a mutual mortgage offset account or withdraw large sums of money without agreement. In other cases, they may refuse to contribute to mortgage payments or sell shared property without permission, effectively sabotaging the other person's housing security.   4. Digital surveillance and financial stalking Modern banking tools are sometimes weaponised to track a victim's movements and behaviours. An abuser might monitor purchase descriptions to figure out where a partner has been or what they are buying. They may also use the description fields in digital bank transfers to send abusive or harassing messages, turning a standard financial transaction into a tool for emotional harm. This was a tactic used by the first perpetrator to be jailed under NSW coercive control laws.   5. Exploitation and theft of personal funds This involves the direct taking of money that belongs solely to the victim. Examples include taking money from a partner's pension or superannuation without permission, selling their personal belongings without consent, or even failing to pay them for work performed in a family business. It is a direct violation of personal property rights designed to keep the victim broke.   6. Deliberate sabotage of employment and education To ensure a victim cannot become self-sufficient, an abuser may prevent them from attending work or getting a job. This can involve sabotaging their ability to attend important meetings, blocking access to education or training, or even harassing the person’s colleagues at their workplace. By destroying a person's career prospects, the abuser ensures they remain trapped financially.   7. Intentional financial neglect In this scenario, an abuser withholds financial support despite having the means to provide it. This includes neglecting to pay child support or refusing to contribute to household expenses. Often, they will force utility bills like electricity and gas into the victim's name only, ensuring that if the bills aren't paid, the victim’s credit is the only one destroyed.   8. Destruction of property and gambling Financial stability is also threatened through the physical destruction of property or the reckless use of shared funds. An abuser might damage or steal property to cause financial distress or gamble with money meant for rent and bills. These actions create a constant state of financial crisis that makes it difficult for a victim to plan for the future or escape.   9. Information withholding and account blocking A key element of control is the denial of information. An abuser may hide details about their own income or the total household wealth while simultaneously blocking the victim’s access to bank accounts. By keeping the victim in the dark about their financial reality, the abuser maintains a power imbalance that makes independent decision-making impossible.   Identified signs of financial abuse? Here’s how your customer-owned bank can help If you believe you are experiencing financial abuse, your customer-owned bank can provide various forms of assistance to help secure your finances. For example, they can look into suspicious activity by investigating any transactions that you did not personally authorise. They can also assist in updating your online banking credentials, contact information, and account PINs, to further protect your privacy and access.  Additionally, your bank can help you set up entirely new accounts or facilitate other banking services to ensure you have a safe and independent way to manage your money. Financial abuse can happen to anyone, and the abuser could be a partner, a family member, carer or friend. Remember, financial abuse is never your fault.  The Financial Safety Alliance, founded by social enterprise Flequity Ventures, brings together the Customer Owned Banking Association, the Australian Banking Association, the Australian Finance Industry Association and Arca. This alliance will help more than 200 banks and lenders to disrupt financial abuse through safer product and service design. Through this coordinated action, Australia is setting a new benchmark for how financial institutions can work together to prevent abuse and safeguard customers. More information here.

Bank Orange is excited to announce our new partnership with Westfund to provide a health insurance that doesn't just do its job, but adds an extra level of care to its members.   About Westfund Westfund helped to forge the private health industry in Australia back in 1953 – with origins dating back to 1881. Westfund are a not-for-profit member-based health fund with offices in Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow and across Australia. They have member-first and community driven values and are a part of leading industry bodies; Australian Health Service Alliance, Members Health Fund Alliance and Private Health Australia.     Westfund have an exciting offer* for Bank Orange member -  a discount of 5% off the standard premium of eligible Westfund products.** *The offer is only available on the following products: Combined Hospital and Extras, Hospital Only **The offer is subject to payment by direct debit and proof of Membership. Offer not available on Ambulance Only, Extras Only or Overseas products. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Discount will apply while a current MOU exists between Westfund and Bank Orange.   Find out more at https://www.westfund.com.au/corporate/bank-orange-5plus2mth/  

Leading regional customer-owned bank, Bank Orange launched a new Savings guide compiled with the help of prominent locals, employees and the community who have shared their saving experiences to help others. With cost-of-living pressures on the rise, there is no better time to learn from others and share insights to help people make the most of their money. This project is the result of many conversations by the Bank Orange team with the community over the past two years to uncover the best savings tips in the region. As we grow and develop throughout life, our financial needs and priorities change and so do our money goals. What works for now, may not work for later and what works for some, may not work for others but, it’s important to share experiences, learning as we go. It’s no surprise that the number one Financial Fitness goal across the Central West region is to save money. Whether it’s saving for a deposit on a home loan, new car, paying off debt, planning for a holiday or something special, we all could do with a little know-how to reach our goal. ‘Our Little Orange Book of Savings Tips’ is available as a free download here  There are many ways Your Team Orange can help with your banking and borrowing. Get in touch.

Orange Credit Union introduces new CEO Lewis von Stieglitz to lead organisation into a thriving future. Leading regional customer-owned bank, Orange Credit Union is delighted to announce the appointment of Lewis von Stieglitz as the organisations new Chief Executive Officer. With an extensive background in financial services across Australia, Mr von Stieglitz brings a wealth of experience to the credit union. As the newly appointed CEO, Mr von Stieglitz will lead Orange Credit Union in its mission to strengthen the financial wellbeing of our customers and the community and is passionate about helping our customers of today and generations to come. With over 30 years’ experience in the financial industry, Mr von Stieglitz has held several key leadership positions, including at General Manager level at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Head of Banking Products at Territory Insurance Office Darwin, and most recently, CEO of Warwick Credit Union for the past 13 years. In expressing excitement about joining Orange Credit Union, Mr von Stieglitz said, “it is a privilege to join the leading customer owned bank in Orange and the Central West. Mr von Stieglitz added, “serving the community is central to my interest in life and it is great to do so with an organisation which has been part of the fabric of Orange for the past fifty eight years”. Orange Credit Union’s Board of Directors share the excitement of welcoming Mr von Stieglitz and believes that their strategic vision and leadership will be instrumental in positioning the credit union for a prosperous future. Orange Credit Union warmly welcomes Lewis von Stieglitz and looks forward to the positive impact he will bring to the organisation and its members.