Protect Your World – how to prevent cyber crime
Top Tips for #ProtectYourWorld
- Latest practice advises that you use three random words with added numbers and symbols, e.g. 'BlueGiraffePhone' - 'Blu3G1r4ff3Ph0n3'.
- Remember: avoid using personal details in your password like your partner or pet's name.
- More information: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/use-a-strong-and-separate-password-for-email
- Software and app updates contain vital security updates to help protect your devices from cyber criminals.
- More information: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/install-the-latest-software-and-app-updates
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides you with a way of double checking that you really are the person you are claiming to be. 2FA asks you to provide a second factor that only you can access, like a text message to your phone or through an app. It is the best thing you can do to improve the security of your account.
- More information: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/activate-two-factor-authentication-on-your-email
- A password manager is an app on your phone, tablet or computer that stores your passwords securely so you don't need to remember them all.
- More information: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online?curPage=/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/password-managers
- Don't click on suspicious links or attachments and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.
- More information: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
- Backing up your data means that if you fall victim to a cybercrime, you will not lose any of your personal data.
- Safeguard your most important data, such as your photos and key documents, by backing them up to an external hard drive or a cloud-based storage system.
- More information: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/always-back-up-your-most-important-data
- Think about what you're posting, and who has access to it.
- Have you configured the privacy options so that your online profile is only accessible to the people you want to see it?
- Use privacy settings across social media platforms to manage your digital footprint.
- More information: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/social-media-how-to-use-it-safely
How to report a cybercrime
Know where to go if you become a victim of cybercrime: ACTION FRAUD - www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040