Staying safe online

Using your computer, tablet or mobile phone to access your online life is quick and seamless. The ease of online access gives you the freedom to manage your accounts anywhere, anytime, which can make life a lot easier, but it also means that you need to be aware of potential risks online and take steps to ensure you minimise any risks. We’ve highlighted some of the key areas below.

Username and Password

Passwords are your key online identifier and although we all moan about the sheer number of them we have to memorise, they do play a very important role in protecting your data and security. Any threat to your online existence can be substantially reduced by maximising the strength of your password and by using computer protection software.

The most common online security measure is the classic username and password combination. You will need these details to access your online bank account, shopping accounts such as Amazon or EBay and even social networks sites so it’s vital to make sure you have a strong password.

Here are some top tips:

• Create a complex password by using upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols
• Make sure your password is long enough, 8 characters is usually the minimum but the longer the password the harder it is for criminals to break
• Never use a password which could be easily guessed for example, partners name, pets’ name, birthdays, alphabetical or numerical sequences (abcd/1234) and never use the word password as the password!
• Don't recycle passwords, for example Password1, Password2
• Don't use the same password for different accounts
• Never write your password down, send it by email or disclose it to anyone

Following these top tips will help keep your online information safe and secure however there are other clever ways online criminals can gain access to your data.

Computer Viruses

Computer viruses are small software programs that are specifically designed to do your computer harm. They can often go unnoticed for long periods of time as they work in the background corrupting your hard drive, stealing data and even spreading to other computers.

There are three main types of virus:

• Worm – this virus exploits security vulnerabilities and spreads itself automatically to other computers through networks
• Trojan – a self-replicating type of malware (malicious software), a seemingly harmless programme that hides malicious functions such as unauthorised access and data theft
• Spyware – can create unwanted pop up’s, steal your personal details, log your keystrokes and take screen shots of the sites you visit
• Computer viruses are often spread by email attachments, internet downloads, USB/CD/DVD devices and via illicit websites.

Top tips to avoid viruses:

• Don't open any files attached from an unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy source
• Don't open any files attached to an email unless you know what it is, even if it appears to come from someone you know as viruses can automatically replicate
• Delete junk/chain emails, don’t forward or reply to them
• Don't download files from strangers or illegitimate websites
• Update your anti-virus software regularly
• Back up your computer files regularly on an external storage device

Prevention is better than cure so make sure you keep your computer current with the latest updates and antivirus tools.

There is a wide range of antivirus software available to purchase on the high street and online. Free antivirus software and security packages are also available from some internet service providers, banks and the internet. If you do chose to download

For more information about staying safe online: https://www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself