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Internet security
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Last updated: 11 November 2021
Security measures are as diverse as the threats you might face, but we've done our best to give you a helpful overview of both here. For more detailed information, check our our range of guides on internet security linked throughout this guide.
Things to be wary of online
Phishing
Hackers often pose as official institutions (such as a bank), or a provider (a phone network like O2, for example), and ask you for your personal details or card information. Be aware when receiving notifications requesting action, and be aware that no institution should be asking for your personal or card details in an email.
Spam
Beware of emails with questionable links, such as those which say you have won a competition that you have not entered. These links can lead to viruses entering your computer, which can allow hackers to access your information. Also check when you do click on a link, that you are being redirected to the website that you are expecting, and that the address begins with ‘https”, which is an indicator that the website is secure.
Cookies
Cookies are stored on your browsing device, and collect information about you and your browsing habits. These are largely harmless, such as allowing for targeted advertising based on websites that you have previously visited. However, some cookies can be used by hackers to collect data about you. Consider using ‘private browsing’ windows on certain websites, which do not store cookies on your computer.
Privacy Policies
When visiting a website, you will often be prompted to read the privacy policy of the site. Read this to make sure that you are aware of how any information or browsing habits that you display are being used in the right way.
What can I do to improve my online security?
Install anti-malware software
This type of software helps to fight against any viruses or spyware that try to infiltrate your device. Some broadband deals include some form security software when you sign up. For example, Virgin Media offers Web Safe and F-Secure Safe, so consider changing your provider.
Install software updates
Regularly updating your devices and software will ensure that any security weaknesses are patched up before hackers can exploit you.
Use complicated passwords
Use passwords that contain combinations of letters, numbers and symbols, so that it is harder for hackers to guess.
Use different passwords
Using different passwords for different websites ensures that if one account is compromised by hackers, they will not be able to access your other accounts. Consider using a password managing application.
Make sure that your WiFi network is private
Check that you have a complicated password on your wireless broadband network, so that hackers can’t connect to your WiFi and potentially steal any personal information.
Be careful with public WiFi
Similarly to the above, when using public WiFi networks, be cautious about handing over any personal or financial details.
How can I keep my money secure online?
Use a credit card
Whilst hackers could potentially get hold of your credit card details in the same fashion as a debit card, credit card companies hold joint liability along with the retailer for items between £100 and £30,000. This is stipulated in the Consumer Credit Act.
Use prepaid cards/gift vouchers
Consider putting a certain amount of money on a prepaid card or a gift voucher, to ensure that only the money that you allocated to the purchase would be lost in the case of any breach of security.
Check your credit reports regularly
Reviewing your credit reports to see if there has been any drastic change to you score can help you identify if there has been any fraud and if anyone is posing as you.
Overall, it is important to stay vigilant when using the internet, as there are numerous potential ways that hackers can access your information online. Be careful not to click on suspicious links and not to hand out your information to unverified sources. On top of this, using anti-malware software and credit cards can help keep you and your family safer online.
More helpful guides on internet security:
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