5 simplesteps to cyber safety

Step 4 - use anti-virus

Step 5 - install software updates

Antivirus is your security guard, make sure you have some and that it’s up to date.

Viruses and malicious software (malware) can infect any device (computers, phones, etc). Once it’s there it can lock you out, steal your information or even watch you in your home.

Action Fraud is the UK’s first national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Action Fraud provides a single place for victims of fraud and cybercrime to report to.

Always report fraud and cybercrime to Action Fraud, either online at

www.actionfraud.police.uk

or by telephone on 0300 123 2040

Other useful online resources

www.cyberaware.gov.uk

www.getsafeonline.org

www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk

For more advice please visit www.lincs.police.uk/cybercrime

Cyber criminals use weaknesses in software and apps to attack your devices and steal your identity.

Software and app updates are designed to fix these weaknesses.

Installing them as soon as possible will keep your devices secure.

CYBERCRIMELINCOLNSHIRE POLICE

UN

IT

@CyberLincs

lincs.police.uk

FOR NON-URGENT INCIDENTS, REPORT ONLINE www.lincs.police.uk/onlinereporting

Step 1 - think social engineering?

Passwords should be long!

Simple passwords can easily be guessed by criminals. Never share passwords with anyone and use a separate password for your email.

Create stronger passwords using three random words. Numbers and symbols can still be used if needed, for example

Random3protectpeople!

Use a password manager if you have too many passwords to remember, they can even create complex passwords for you!

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of protection beyond your password.

It significantly decreases the risk of a criminal accessing your online accounts by combining your password (something you know) with a second factor, like your mobile phone (something you have).

Advice and guides on enabling 2FA can be found at turnon2fa.com

Step 3 - enabletwo factor authentication

Social engineering is the art of manipulating people so they give up confidential information.

Phishing emails are a form of social engineering and a common tatic used by criminals to get passwords, bank details or as a way to install viruses/malware on your devices.

Phishing emails often, look like they are being sent from a trusted person or business!

Tips to remember

Slow down, criminals want you to act first and think later.

Always be suspicious of unexpected emails, and don’t click on links.

Don’t let a link control where you go, find your own way to webpages using your browser.

Step 2 - create strong passwords