Simple, effective steps to keep your family’s devices and accounts safer online.
Top tips you can do today
- Use a password manager (or your browser’s built-in manager) to create unique passwords for every account.
- Turn on 2-step verification (MFA) for email, banking, shopping and social media.
- Update your devices — phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs and routers. Enable automatic updates.
- Beware of scams — pause before clicking links or sharing details. If unsure, contact the organisation via their official site.
- Back up precious data — photos and documents to a trusted cloud service or an external drive.
- Secure your Wi-Fi — change the router default admin password; use WPA2/WPA3; consider a “guest” network for visitors/IoT.
- Install reputable security software and keep it updated. Turn on built-in protections (e.g., Windows Security).
- Use device locks — PIN/biometrics and auto-lock. Turn on device encryption where available.
- Limit apps and extensions — only install from trusted stores; review permissions; remove what you don’t use.
- Check account recovery details — keep backup email/phone numbers current to avoid lockouts.
- Separate accounts on shared computers (kids vs. adults). Use parental controls where appropriate.
- Be careful with public Wi-Fi — avoid sensitive activity or use your mobile data/hotspot instead.
If something goes wrong
- Change passwords and enable MFA immediately on affected accounts.
- Run a full security scan and update your device.
- Contact your bank if money is involved.
- Report fraud/cybercrime to Action Fraud and get a police crime reference number.