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Due to coronavirus, people are spending more time online this year.
This means more opportunities for hackers to carry out cyber attacks. They often do this by targeting people and businesses using:
- email and website scams
- malware - software that can damage your device or let a hacker in
If hackers get into your device or accounts, they could access your money, your personal information, or information about your business.
You can improve your cyber security by taking six actions:
1. Use a strong and separate password for your email
2. Create strong passwords using 3 random words
3. Save your passwords in your browser
4. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
5. Update your devices
6. Backup your data
Improve your password security
Hackers can get access to your account by using software to crack your password, by trying one password in lots of places or by trying to trick you into disclosing your password through scams.
Creating strong, separate passwords and storing them safely is a good way to protect yourself online.
Use a strong and separate password for your email
If a hacker gets into your email, they could:
- reset your other account passwords
- access information you have saved about yourself or your business
Your email password should be strong and different to all your other passwords. This will make it harder to crack or guess.
Using 3 random words is a good way to create a strong, unique password that you will remember.
You should also protect your other important accounts, such as banking or social media.
How to change your email password
How to change your password in:
- Gmail (opens in a new tab)
- Yahoo! Mail (opens in a new tab)
- Outlook (opens in a new tab)
- BT (opens in a new tab)
- AOL Mail (opens in a new tab)
If your email is not listed here, you should search online for advice from your provider on how to change your email password.
Create strong passwords using 3 random words
When you use different passwords for your important accounts, it can be hard to remember them all.
A good way to create strong, memorable passwords is by using 3 random words.
Do not use words that can be guessed (like your pet’s name). You can include numbers and symbols if you need to. For example, “RedPantsTree4!”
Saving your passwords in your browser will help you manage them.
Save your passwords in your browser
Saving your password in your browser means letting your web browser (such as Chrome, Safari or Edge) remember your password for you.
This can help:
- make sure you do not lose or forget your passwords
- protect you against some cyber crime, such as fake websites
It is safer than using weak passwords, or using the same password in more than one place.
Make sure you protect your saved passwords in case your device is lost or stolen.
The post "Improve your online security today " was written and posted by the National Cyber Security Centre. Cyber Aware is the UK government’s advice on how to stay secure online. Learn more about the National Cyber Security Centre