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Several million cases of fraud and of computer misuse are reported to the police every year. It's staggering, but even more staggering is that so many of those crimes could have been prevented by making a few small changes in online behaviour.
To avoid becoming a victim of online crime you don’t need to be a computer expert. Developing a few good online habits drastically reduces your chances of becoming a victim of cybercrime, makes you less vulnerable and lets you use the web safely.
Visit Cyber Aware for step-by-step instructions on keeping your devices up-to-date with the latest security updates, and for more online security advice.
Online fraud, also known as cybercrime, covers all crimes that:
Cyber Criminals can use your email to access many of your personal accounts, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.
A good way to create a strong and memorable password is to use three random words. Numbers and symbols can still be used if needed, for example 3redhousemonkeys27!
Cyber criminals exploit weaknesses in software and apps to attack your devices and steal your identity. Software and app updates are designed to fix these weaknesses and installing them as soon as possible will keep your devices secure.
Information can easily be found about how to install these updates from Apple, Microsoft and Google.
2FA is the single best thing you can do to improve the security of your important online accounts, such as your email.
Accounts with 2FA enabled require you to verify your identity using your password (first factor), as well as a randomised six-digit code (second factor) that’s delivered by your mobile phone. If your password is stolen, they still need your phone. If your phone is stolen, they still need your password.
See the latest instructions on how to enable 2FA.
Reusing the same password across multiple accounts can be dangerous. A cyber-criminal might steal one of your passwords, and then use it to try and access other accounts. This means they could quickly break into several of your accounts despite only knowing one password.
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.
For more information, visit the Government’s advice on password managers.
Screen locks offer your devices an important extra layer of security.
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.
The internet lets children connect with friends and learn new things. But there are also dangers to going online, and children can be particularly vulnerable.
Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe online. By understanding the risks and keeping yourself up-to-date on the latest technology, websites and social networks you can help your child enjoy the internet safely and securely.
To help protect your children online:
If you are currently being subjected to a live and ongoing cyber-attack then please contact us on 101.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime, the Action Fraud team can also provide the help, support and advice you need.
Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050).
We recommend you check your privacy settings and stop people following you that you don’t know on Facebook.
You should also check your privacy settings on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
Action Fraud – the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre
Cyber Aware – essential advice on protecting yourself online
National Cyber Security Centre – helping to make the UK safer to live and do business in the UK