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Being safe and secure online

Read our advice on how to create strong passwords and keep your data safe.

 

Spam emails aim to infect your computer with malware, steal personal information, or pull you into a scam. Many email services can filter out spam, but some may still get through. Do not reply to, download, or open attachments or links in emails that: 

 

  • Ask you to 'confirm' login details or other sensitive information. 
  •  Come from an email address that does not seem to represent the company the sender claims to be from.
  • Request immediate payment or offer something 'too good to be true'.
  • Contains links that do not match the company's web address. 
  • Include unsolicited attachments. 

If you receive a suspicious email, block the sender and delete the message. Do not reply, as this only confirms your email address is active.

Find out more about scams, spam and phishing emails on the Age UK and GOV UK website.

Keep your passwords private and secure. Strong passwords include a mix of letters, numbers, and other characters and are not easy to guess. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager like 1Password, DashLane, or LastPass.

Computer viruses (sometimes called malware), are programs that spread from one computer to another. You may be sent an email with an attachment which, when you click on it, will release a virus.

Criminals can then use this to take control of your computer, or the virus may scan your computer for personal information. It can also slow your computer down, send out spam email or delete files.

If you’re worried that your computer isn't working properly or think that it may have a virus, talk to your local manager

Antivirus software helps protect against these threats but is not foolproof. Keep your antivirus software up to date and always browse safely and vigilantly. 

Following this advice can make the internet a safe and useful tool for you. For more information on online safety, trusted sources such as Age UK, CERT UK, and Safer Internet UK offer extensive guidance.

How to keep your data safe

Regularly updating your password, locking your laptop when unattended, and keeping your password private are essential for protecting your data and preventing unauthorised access.

Two-step authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of verification to access an account. Typically, this includes something you know (password) and something you have (a code sent to your phone or an authentication app). This reduces the risk of unauthorised access, even if your password is compromised.

Find out more on the GOV UK website.

Keeping your software on your devices (phones, laptops) up to date is essential for protecting your personal data and ensuring your devices run smoothly. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers might exploit.

Backing up your data ensures that your important files, photos and documents are safe in case of a cyberattack, device failure, or accidental deletion. Regular backups help you recover information quickly and prevent loss.

Keeping your passwords private is one of the most important steps in protecting your personal information and preventing unauthorised access to your accounts. Sharing passwords, even with trusted family or friends, can put your data at risk.

Staying safe onlne