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  • Use strong passwords for online accounts
  • Use 'Two Factor Authentication'
  • Use extra security measures when shopping online
  • Be healthily sceptical!
  • Don’t 'overshare' on social media
  • Keep children safe online

Staying safe online – the basics

Last updated: December 9, 2020 by TechResort

This, rightly, a really hot topic and it’s essential for novice users to understand the risks, and have simple ways to protect themselves without feeling that they have no control over their safety.

Most people can take very simple precautions to keep themselves pretty safe online, and there are many sources of really good, thorough advice.

TechResort recommends the UK Government’s Cyber Aware website because it’s kept up to date, has UK relevant advice and it’s a known, reliable source.

This site also allows you to report any suspicious emails you receive. By doing this, cyber protection teams can identify patterns in suspicious activity and potentially shut down phishing scams.

We’ve also got some specific pointers for you. Scroll down for more, and please do post your tips and thoughts in the comments.

Use strong passwords for online accounts

Keep different passwords (usernames, too, if you can) for different platforms – especially financial ones. This way one breach of password doesn’t lead straight to all the others.

It’s also worth looking at a secure password manager. Our team uses 1Password and LastPass – you have to pay for either, but we think it’s worth it for the extra piece of mind.

There are other ways of storing passwords safely in the cloud. Apple owners can use iCloud for example.

Use 'Two Factor Authentication'

…or ‘2FA’ for short. This is where, once you’ve added your username and password to a log in, you’re sent a unique passcode to a different device or dedicated application, for example to your phone or an app. Typing in this second code gives you access.

If you’ve used online banking, you’ll be asked to generate a code with a card reader or similar. Other providers, such as Paypal, challenge their users at intervals by sending a unique code by text message, or over the phone.

If the software you’re using has a 2FA option, switch it on. Don’t share 2FA codes with anyone, in any way.

Use extra security measures when shopping online

Keeping a separate shopping email account is a good way to spot problem emails if they arrive.

If at all possible, use a Credit card rather than a debit card for your shopping. Or choose secure payment services like PayPal, ApplePay or GooglePay to pay online.

Credit cards have protection against fraud, and it’s easier to appeal a transaction before money comes out of your bank account.

Secure payment services have additional security measures such as 2FA. Paypal is a good example of this.

Be healthily sceptical!

  • If an offer sounds too good to be true – whether by email or on a website – it probably is
  • If you receive an email you’re not expecting, don’t click on links until you’ve double checked who it came from
  • Emails from services you use – like banks, or utilities – will quote personal information like your name and account number in their emails. If they don’t – they may not be genuine – phone the organisation using a number on one your bills to check whether it was genuine
  • If you receive invoices by email – check who they really came from and check that the amount matches your accounts with that company
  • Banks and other official bodies will NEVER ask you for the pin number for your payment cards, or for your full password when they phone

Don’t 'overshare' on social media

  • Limit the information you share on social media. NEVER put your personal contact details like home address or phone numbers in public posts
  • Make sure you know who you’re in contact with in private messaging – share only information appropriate to the level of knowledge you have of them
  • Social media ‘games’ can often indirectly be asking for personal information about you. Look out for questions like “Your stage name is the last thing you ate, and your mother’s maiden name”. They look quite innocent but they can contain indirect references to information that might be used as security questions on web services you use

Keep children safe online

As parents with children of different ages, we can confidently tell you that keeping them safe online is a whole different ball game!

We’re planning a separate article about this, but can recommend these sites in the meantime.

NSPCC

Thinkuknow

Childnet

GOV.UK guide to child safety when using social media

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