Useful tips



Keep your passwords secure

  • Never share or write down your passwords, and change them regularly.
  • Choose passwords made up of a mix of letters, numbers and other characters such as punctuation marks.
  • Ignore requests to verify your passwords - reputable organisations will never ask you to reveal them.


Know who you're dealing with online

  • Be suspicious of unsolicited emails, even if they look like they're from a trusted source.
  • Be alert to emails sent from internet email accounts, such as Hotmail or Yahoo.
  • Never enter sensitive information such as account details, PINs or passwords via a website link attached to an email.
  • Ensure websites are secure - look for the prefix 'https' and a locked padlock or unbroken key symbol. Check the authenticity of a secure website by double clicking on the symbol.
  • If in doubt, check it out - contact the website owner on a known or independently verified phone number.
  • Beware of attachments and emails - even if they appear innocent, they could contain a Trojan or virus carrier that may infect your computer.
  • Type the full address of secure websites into your browser, rather than searching for it - this helps avoid being misdirected to a bogus site.


Keep hold of your cash

  • If it looks too good to be true, it probably is - don't be conned by emails offering you the chance to make easy money. Be especially wary of unsolicited emails from outside the UK.


Keep your computers secure

  • Install a computer firewall - this helps keep Trojans and viruses at bay.
  • Use up-to-date anti-virus software and run regular scans of your computer.
  • Use a secure web browser - some offer added security to help protect you from phishing attacks or spyware.
  • Ensure staff follow security procedures when they use laptops. Visit the Fraud Advisory Panel website for details.
  • Be careful - you can't control the security of a computer in an internet café, airport lounge or other public place - or one owned by a third party.


Find out more

Advice on how to keep your Microsoft software secure

Advice on online banking security

Information and advice on banking fraud

Tips from the UK's official online security organisation