Keeping Safe Online

Keeping Safe Online

---

THE 5cs GUIDE TO ONLINE SAFETY
Internet crime can take many forms and there are lots of ways that people can be targeted online, why not try our 5c Guide to staying safe online.
CREATE ….. A strong password
• Choose, use and protect your password carefully
• Pick three random words to use for a password
• Replace some of the letters with numbers and symbols for example, Thr33R@ndomW0rds
• Do not use the same password for everything
• Keep your passwords secret, do not share them with anyone else
COVER ….. Protect your device
• Make sure you regularly update your anti-virus/malware software
• Ensure that your regularly check and download the latest operating software, browser and app updates
• Save important documents and photos on to an external hard drive or use a secure online document storage
CONFIDENTIALITY ….. should always be maintained by –
• Not sharing personal information or passwords on social networking site, emails or in person
• Knowing who you are talking to
• Checking your privacy settings regularly as websites and apps frequently change their own settings
CLICKING ….. Links sent via email or text are a common way to get malicious software on your device and for hackers to steal your identity and money
• Think before you click
• Make sure the source is genuine – many emails look like the real thing, but are not
• Only open attachments that have been sent from someone you trust
CONNECTION ….. Always use a secure connection
• Never do transactions over a public Wi-Fi
• Check for the padlock and the ‘S’ in https in web addresses – this means that the data between the website and you device is encrypted
• Always check the website you are connecting to is genuine
If you think you have been a victim of a fraud or cyber crime then you can report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk. You can also speak to an advisor on 0300 123 2040.
The Action Fraud website will list the different types of fraud and give some top tips that will help protect you from fraud.
For additional online safety advice visit Get Safe Online at: getsafeonline.org

Message Sent By
Andrea Smith (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)