Staying Safe Online - Hacking

 

There are many stories in the news, in newspapers and on the internet about your devices being hacked, spying on you, or your Wifi leaking your personal details.

 

On a personal level, you should make sure the equipment, passwords, and networks you are using are secure. You should also watch out for fraudsters who to trick you in to handing over money, access or personal details in order to defraud you. 

 

The companies you use for services, also need to take reasonable steps to make sure they are protecting your data. Protecting your data and the networks people in the greater community also happens nationally and internationally.  

 

We have also published other blog posts on similar topics. Click here to see them. 

 

What you can do

 

1. Do ensure you are buying well known devices from a reputable company
2. Do not circulate fake news, lies or other material intended to agitate or scare people by not forwarding digital chain mail or unverified news. You can easily verify urban legends on sites such as Snopes or double check on a reputable news sites such as the BBC. 
3. Only download apps for mobile phones and tablets from manufacturer-approved stores (eg App store/Play store/Microsoft store). These apps are checked and provide a certain level of protection from malicious software that might cause harm.
4.  Double check the permissions are not excessive for what the app provides
5.  Replace factory-set passwords with secure ones you create yourself.
6.  Do not use the same password for all your devices
7.  Do ensure your Wi-Fi is secure, using WPA2 level if possible.
8.  Limit the permissions that each device has access to eg location
9.  Only connect devices to the internet that require it. Just because a device can be connected does not mean it needs to be.
10.  Do regularly install any updates on your devices as they will be the most secure
11.  Install or use an encryption program to keep your sensitive files safe.



 

Further Information

 

National Cyber security centre

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

 

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

  

GCHQ

https://www.gchq.gov.uk/topics/cyber-security

  

Government Policy Documents on Cyber Security

https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/cyber-security

  

Cyber Aware

https://www.cyberaware.gov.uk/

 

City of London Police Cybercrime

https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/advice-and-support/cybercrime/Pages/getsafeonline.aspx

 

Global Cyber Alliance

https://www.globalcyberalliance.org/

Cyber Security Challenge UK

https://www.cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk  

Runs a series of online games and challenges to test users’ skills in cyber security and uncover fresh talent for the cybersecurity industry.


Guidance and advice for Small Business Owners
https://www.getsafeonline.org/business/

 

Stop Think Connect

https://www.stopthinkconnect.org/tips-advice