Protecting against cybercrime
HOW TO STAY SAFE ONLINE
Here are the ten hints from the workshop hosted by Portsdown U3A on Wed 30 May 2018 and run jointly by Hampshire Constabulary and the University of Portsmouth Cybercrime Awareness Clinic Project
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1. Use a strong password or passphrase
Use a minimum of 10 characters [to include upper and lower case, digits and symbols] or a sentence of words that you will remember and include both characters and symbols [so that your final 'words' would not appear in a dictionary], e.g. M4ry H@d A L!ttle L@mb, or use words in a language other than English. consider using a password manager
2. Install security software (anti-malware, firewall)
Computers are generally set to do this automatically, but don't ignore the prompts to update when they flash up [usually at an inconvenient time] -- do it straightaway.
3. Keep software and apps up to date
You will see notifications of updates as pop-ups or as an alert on your app store. Don't ignore them as they often contain security fixes, so update as soon as possible. [Hackers can readily note what security weaknesses the fixes are meant to correct, and can take full advantage of that and jump in straightaway before everyone has got round to updating. So don't delay.]
4. Think about what information you put online
If you wouldn't make it public knowledge in the real world, then don't put it online. Cyber criminals search for info to impersonate you online or in the real world. [Think of our website and any emails that you send as being on one of the old-fashioned postcards -- freely available for anyone to peruse and, perhaps, misuse?]
5. Double-check who an email is from before responding
If it looks the slightest bit suspicious, delete or check with the supposed sender. Remember to use an independent means of contact. Don't reply directly to the suspect mail
6. Never click on links in an email unless you are certain who it is from
These are generally just junk mail or could contain malicious software which could compromise your information and your computer systems
7. Back up all important files regularly
Back up all important files regularly into an external hard-drive, memory stick, or cloud, or all three to be extra secure. If using cloud storage, remember to log out after each use.
8. Don't pass sensitive information over public wi-fi
It can be easy for a criminal to access public wi-fi or to create their own wi-fi access point and gain access to your device and your details. [Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) would improve your security in such circumstances.]
9. Consider encrypting confidential data
If you are sending confidential data or personal information, encrypting it will make it a lot more secure. For example, Winzip with a password.
10. Promote cyber awareness -- be a cyber champion!
Make sure your family and friends are aware of how to stay cyber safe and protect their devices, money and privacy. If you work within an organisation, making sure that staff are aware of the risks and the simple steps to take to protect against cyber threats can massively help to protect your systems and your data [-- even more critical now that GDPR has come into legal force.]
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An amusing clip on YouTube, although it's from Canada, can be seen by clicking What is phishing?.
If you suspect a crime, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or the police on 101.
To access a couple of further sources of help online, click: Action Fraud and Get Safe Online
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If you have any problems with the above, or wish to clarify any point, don't hesitate to send an email by clicking Webmaster.