Here are tips to protect your identity and cash from online scammers:
- only allow someone to remotely access your computer if they are from a trusted source, such as your internet service provider
- create passwords which are long, unique and use a mix of random numbers and lower and upper case letters. The longer the password the harder it is to guess. A ten digit password is better than an eight digit one. Make sure you change passwords regularly and don’t share them
- use antivirus software and keep it up to date. This will check for malicious computer programmes and monitor files before they are opened. Up-to-date software is important to protect against the most recent viruses. If you buy software online make sure it is from a genuine supplier
- understand what software you are installing on your computer or phone and make sure you are using a secure site when you buy software, tablet or smart phone. A secure site will have a web address beginning with https not http
- make sure you leave your firewall switched on. A firewall is a security shield that stops scammers getting into your computer. Operating systems such as Windows come with built in firewall settings. They can monitor and warn you of unexpected access to your computer
- make sure you regularly install updates to your operating system. Windows is an example of an operating system
- install the latest version of your web browser, for example Internet Explorer, which will have the latest security features
- don’t open suspicious or unknown emails, email attachments, texts or pop up messages. For example an email with an unusually worded subject heading
- before entering payment card details on a website, make sure the link is secure.