CYBER crime has doubled in recent months say the experts as a series of measures are launched to protect residents from online harm.
The move comes as the country continues to rely more on technology while staying at home during the lockdown.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ has now launched it’s Cyber Aware campaign.
It urges people to protect their data passwords, the accounts they protect and the devices they use to access them.
The campaign encourages people to ‘Stay home. Stay Connected. Stay Cyber Aware’, and its top tips are:
1. Turn on two factor authentication for important accounts
2. Protect important accounts using a password of three random words
3. Create a separate password that you only use for your main email account
4. Update the software and apps on your devices regularly (ideally set to ‘automatically update’)
5. Save your passwords in your browser
6. To protect yourself from being held to ransom, back up important data
With many people in the UK trying video conferencing for the first time, the advice includes top tips on securely installing the app, creating a strong password and tracking who is joining the chat.
New guidance on the secure use of video conferencing services builds on a raft of advice published on www.ncsc.gov.uk since the coronavirus outbreak started.
The NCSC also recommends that people do not make meetings public, connect only to people through contacts or address books – and to never post the link or password publicly.
A Suspicious Email Reporting Service has been developed and any dubious emails – including those claiming to offer support related to Covid-19 – can be sent to [email protected] the NCSC’s automated¬ programme will immediately test the validity of the site.
Any sites found to be phishing scams will be removed immediately.
More information on Cyber Aware top tips https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/public-urged-to-flag-coronavirus-related-email-scams-as-online-security-campaign-launches.
Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud contact Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
