Every aspect of our daily lives is filled with internet and technology. It is vital to protect yourself and your gadgets from criminals who wish to exploit them. Technology is constantly progressing and criminals are always finding ways to control it, so you must be continuously cautious and embrace new safety measures on a regular basis.

 

Here are some safety preventative measures that can be taken. Sourced from INTERPOL, the world’s largest international police organisation. http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Cybercrime/Online-safety/General-safety

 

Spam reduction:

• Your spam filter should be on all the time

• Do not trust spontaneous advertising and offers

• Be cautious if you do not know the sender

• A trusted website or online payment system will never ask you to confirm sensitive information like passwords and account pins

• Delete any suspected spam immediately, do not open any attachments.

 

Phishing scams alert

A phishing email may appear to come from a trusted source. Some warning signs are if the email:

• Is sent from a free webmail address not an organisation’s official address

• Opens with a generic greeting and is not personalised

• Requests personal information such as your username, password or bank details

 

Safe browsing

• Check the URL in the browser address and look for any spelling mistakes

• Be suspicious if the website does not give any contact details

• Before giving your personal details, check that you are on a secure link. Look out for the ‘s’ in ‘https’, and a padlock symbol

 

Keeping your computer safe from viruses and other technical problems by using the following safety tools;

• Firewall

• Anti-virus software

• Anti-spyware tools

 

Other steps to take:

• If installing file-sharing software, make sure it is done properly

• Ensure that your wireless network is encrypted

• Block browser pop-ups or try using different browsers

• Open attachments only from people you know and trust

• Create strong passwords, at least 8 characters long and including a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks or symbols

• Keep your passwords secret, never give them to anyone.

 

Find more online safety tips here:

http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Cybercrime/Online-safety/Simda-botnet2

http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Cybercrime/Online-safety/Ransomware

http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Cybercrime/Online-safety/Ransomware