The internet is an amazing tool, but it does come with risks. Scammers, hackers, and viruses are real threats — but protecting yourself doesn't require being a tech expert. These simple habits will keep you safe from the vast majority of online threats.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
This is the single most important thing you can do. A strong password:
- Is at least 12 characters long
- Mixes upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols
- Is different for every account
- Doesn't contain your name, birthday, or common words
Tip: Use a password manager like Bitwarden (free) or 1Password. It remembers all your passwords so you only need to remember one master password. This is much safer than using the same password everywhere.
2. Spot Phishing Emails and Texts
Phishing is when scammers send fake messages pretending to be from banks, delivery companies, or other trusted organisations. They want you to click a link and enter your details. Warning signs:
- Urgency — "Your account will be closed in 24 hours!"
- Generic greetings — "Dear Customer" instead of your name
- Suspicious links — Hover over links before clicking. Does the URL look right?
- Spelling mistakes — Real companies proofread their emails
- Unexpected requests — Your bank will never ask for your password by email
When in doubt: Don't click the link. Go directly to the company's website by typing the address in your browser instead.
3. Keep Everything Updated
Those annoying update notifications actually matter. Software updates often fix security holes that hackers can exploit. Make sure to keep these updated:
- Windows — Enable automatic updates in Settings
- Your web browser — Chrome, Firefox, and Edge update automatically
- Your apps — Especially email and banking apps
- Your phone — Install iOS/Android updates when prompted
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra step when logging in — usually a code sent to your phone. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without the code. Enable it on:
- Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
- Banking apps
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Amazon and other shopping sites
It takes 30 seconds to set up and makes your accounts dramatically more secure.
5. Be Careful What You Download
Only download software from official sources:
- Use the Microsoft Store or the software's official website
- Avoid "free" versions of paid software — they're almost always infected with malware
- Be wary of email attachments, especially
.exe,.zip, or.docfiles from unknown senders - If a website is asking you to download something to "fix a problem," it's probably a scam
6. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi
Your Wi-Fi network should be protected:
- Change the default password on your router (the one on the sticker is often weak)
- Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption (check your router settings)
- Don't share your password with people you don't trust
- Be careful on public Wi-Fi — avoid logging into banks or entering passwords on coffee shop networks
7. Watch Out for Scam Phone Calls
A common scam involves someone calling and claiming to be from "Microsoft" or "BT," saying your computer has a virus. They'll ask you to install remote access software so they can "fix" it. This is always a scam. Microsoft will never call you out of the blue.
If you receive one of these calls, just hang up.
Need Help?
If you think you've been scammed, clicked a dodgy link, or your computer isn't behaving right, don't worry — get in touch and I can check things over for you. I offer virus removal and security clean-ups with free pickup and delivery within 3 miles of B11.