Safer Online

Online banking and fraud

• Keep your computer up-to-date with antivirus software, operating system updates and firewalls – and ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security
• Be wary of unsolicited emails or phone calls asking you for PIN number or passwords – your bank or the police would never ask for these in full
• Always type your bank’s address into your web browser –  never follow a link in an email and then enter personal details
• A locked padlock or unbroken key symbol should always appear in your browser window when banking online. The ‘http’ at the  beginning of the website address will change to ‘https’ when a secure connection is made
• When making a payment, always double check that you have entered the correct account number and sort code
• Never leave your computer unattended when logged in and log off as soon as you’re finished, especially on a public computer
• Check your statements regularly – if you notice anything strange, contact your bank immediately
• Be wary of any unexpected or suspicious looking ‘pop-up’ windows that appear during your online banking session
• Stop and think about the process you normally go through to make a payment to someone – be suspicious if it differs from the last time you used it
• Fraudsters sometimes try to trick people into making a real payment by claiming “it’s just a test”

Cyber Security 

• Make sure your computer has up-to-date internet security software and that its switched on
• Don’t reveal personal information on social networking sites
• Regularly back up data on your computer including your smartphone/tablet using USBs or cloud storage
• Never reveal your password or PIN when asked to do so by email or on the phone
• Make sure your Wi-Fi router is secure at all times by changing the default factory password
• Be careful who you are selling to and buying from on auction sites
• Choose strong passwords – 3 random words is the government guideline for making a strong password
• When shopping, paying or banking online, always make sure the website is secure
• Always download the latest software and operating system updates when prompted
• Remember your smartphone is also a target for viruses and spyware
• Shred any old documents that contain personal information about you

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