Keep yourself Cyber Safe this Christmas
Catherine Alexander
Partner
The top ten ways that you can keep yourself safe online, particularly over the Christmas period.
1. Be on the lookout for suspicious emails
Phishing is an attempt, usually through email, to gather personal information or to compromise technology for the purpose of financial gain or other malicious activity. Phishing emails typically include a link to a fraudulent site or an attachment containing malware.
2. Beware of email hacking
Never transfer money on the basis of an email alone. Unfortunately, email is a favoured channel for cybercriminals and email hacking (the taking over of someone's account without their knowledge) is becoming much more prevalent and is now a common feature of financial fraud. You may think you have just received an email from a trusted source, but you could have received a message from a criminal who has taken control of their email account. It is particularly important you double check with the sender before transferring any money which has been requested by email. Don't check by replying to the email you've received, you may be communicating with the fraudster, always call and speak to the individual or organisation personally to make sure the request is genuine.
3. Protect your accounts
Passwords are an obvious way to prevent unauthorised access to accounts, although they need to be strong, long and unguessable to be effective. Use three random words to create a memorable passphrase and then mix in some symbols and numbers (the longer you make your passphrase the better). Always use a unique passphrase for each account that holds your most sensitive information. Adding multi-factor authentication provides an extra layer of protection by having a site or service verify your identity using two different elements.
4. Limit what you store
If your email account becomes your document store, then, if compromised, a hacker could gain access to all of the information you are stockpiling. Every attachment you ever sent or received, every conversation, every photo, contracts, invoices, tax forms, reset passwords for every other account, sometimes even passwords or credit card PINs! To minimise risk, only save limited information within your email account. Save any sensitive personal information outside of the mailbox in secure document repositories.
5. Wi-fi access is not always secure
It's easy to stay connected with public wi-fi access points everywhere - in restaurants, coffee shops and shopping centres, but accessibility can come with risk. Public wi-fi hotspots are exactly that 'public' they offer no privacy or protection to your data and communications. Never use public wi-fi to access sensitive information, like your email account, or enter log-in details or credit card information while connected to it.
6. Regularly update your devices
Keeping your operating system and apps up to date is important as the latest updates can contain security upgrades and protection from emerging threats. To be sure you don't miss any important improvements, set updates to happen automatically. Additionally, make sure your antivirus product is turned on and up to date. Windows and macOS system software have built in malware protection tools which are suitable for this purpose, so make sure they are activated.
7. Protect your data with regular backups
Ransomware is becoming increasingly common. This malicious software - which can be downloaded by opening attachments in emails or through following instructions on a fraudulent web site, encrypts your data, preventing you from accessing it. The criminals will then make contact demanding a payment (ransom) to restore your access. One of the best ways to protect yourself from ransomware is to make regular back ups of your most important files. Many devices have 'auto-backup' options so make sure these are turned on. Backups can be made to a cloud backup service, a different device or to removeable media such as a USB stick (make sure you know how to restore the files from any backup should you need to do so).
8. Keep your guard up when you're out and about
If you regularly take your mobile device, tablet, smart phone, or laptop with you when you go out, youneed to take digital security just as seriously on the move as you do at home. As well as being easier to lose (or just leave behind), you are taking your device out of the controlled environment of your protected home and personal wi-fi into the big, bad world. One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect your data is to take a minute to look through your device's security settings. Using a screen lock, which requires a pass code to deactivate, is vital if you ever become separated from your mobile technology. Turning Bluetooth off when you aren't using it helps prevents hackers from stealing your data.Android, Apple's iOS and Windows operating systems all include remote find, lock and wipe features as standard. Make sure you enable and familiarise yourself with these features so you are ready to use them if your device goes missing.
9. Be careful how you use social media
Be wary of putting up any information that could be used to break into your online accounts. Don't share your home address, email address, phone number and date of birth. Also, try not to let the world know exactly where you are every minute of the day. Telling everyone when you are out and about or away on holiday will also let them know when you're not home.
10. Knowledge is the best defence
When it comes to your online financial safely, knowledge is one of the best tools you have. Understanding the latest security advice and guidance means you can stay onestep ahead of cybercriminals and will help you counterthe emerging scams and threats.
Reference: Fidelity FundsNetwork.
This article isn’t personal advice. If you’re not sure whether a course of action is right for you, ask for financial advice.
