Get safe online

Get Safe Online contains free, independent advice for anyone who uses the internet. It was developed by HM Government and leading companies as a public service.

10 Security Tips for Online Safety

• Use the latest version of your computer’s operating system.
• Use firewall software.
• Use anti-virus software and update it regularly.
• Keep your computer software up-to-date.
• Use anti-spyware programmes.
• Protect your wireless network (if you have one).
• Filter out unwanted emails.
• Make regular backups of your important data.
• Protect your computer(s) against theft and damage.
• Be wary of online fraud, identity theft and scams.

For more information see www.getsafeonline.org.

Update news

Windows Anti-spyware, a useful, free program for blocking spyware has been renamed Windows Defender and you can download the new version from the Microsoft Security Centre at www.microsoft.com/spyware.

Password advice

Most of us use passwords for online banking and logging into our computer and services online but a password that is easily guessed is almost as insecure as no password at all. So here are our top tips for secure yet easily-remembered passwords:

• Long passwords are better than short ones.
• Combinations of letters, numbers and punctuation (e.g. £$%&! etc.) are hardest to guess.
• Avoid the obvious like using your name or just “password” as your password.
• Change passwords regularly.
• Try and avoid writing passwords down, especially anywhere near the computer they unlock.
• Don’t tell other people what your password is, whether by email or in person. Criminals can be very persuasive!