How safe is your data?

Identity theft is a growing problem across the world, and the UK is no exception. More than one in four people living in the UK has fallen victim to identity crime, losing an average of ￡1,200 each. The impact of identity theft can be severe, causing immense personal distress and inconvenience, and taking up to 200 hours of a person's or business's time to resolve.

The below video by Action Fraud shows how easy it is to find your information online.

Be Careful Who You Give Your Personal Information To

It’s essential to be cautious about giving personal information to people you don’t know. In public places, make sure nobody can hear your conversations or look over your shoulder when banking, shopping, or making other confidential online transactions. Be careful with the amount of personal information you share online. Only make the minimum available, such as your name, on internet profiles like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites, and don’t post your address, bank inforamtion, or date of birth.

Make It Difficult to Crack Your Personal Passwords

Create strong passwords and use different ones for different accounts. For a secure password, use three words or more, include a symbol, and use upper- and lower-case letters and numbers. Remember, the more complex and unique your password is, the harder it is to crack. Also, don’t keep a note of passwords where they could be lost or stolen, such as in your wallet or next to your personal device.

Use a password generator such as Strong Password Generator | Bitwarden

Use two-factor authentication (2FA / MFA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires a user to provide two forms of identification to access an account. In addition to a password, 2FA requires a second factor, such as a code sent to a mobile device or email. This extra layer of security makes it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your password.

Always Destroy or Securely Store Personal Documents

Check your bank and financial statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the bank or financial service provider concerned. When getting rid of personal documents, always destroy them by ripping them up or shredding them. If you have a communal mailbox or one in a shared area, empty it frequently. If you move home, set up a redirection with Royal Mail for at least a year and notify your bank, credit card companies, and other organizations you deal with as soon as possible.

Shockingly, only 29% of British adults report redirecting their post when they move house.

Don’t Respond to Unsolicited Phone Calls or Emails

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting people over the telephone, posing as bank staff, police officers, and other officials or companies to extract personal and financial information. Often the fraudster will claim there has been fraud on your account and that you need to act. Your bank or the police will never phone you to ask for your 4-digit card PIN or your online banking password, ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons, or send someone to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card, or cheque book if you are a victim of fraud. If you are given any of these instructions, you’re being targeted by fraudsters. Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line, or where possible use a different phone line, then call your bank or card issuer to report the fraud. If you receive unsolicited emails, never reply with your full password, login details, or account details, and don’t click on any links as you could end up downloading a virus (malware).

Protect Your Personal Devices and keep software up to date

Protect all of your internet-connected devices, including your computer, tablet, TV, and mobile phone, by installing internet security software and ensuring that it is kept up to date. Make sure access to your devices is password-protected.

Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. By keeping your software up-to-date, you can ensure that you have the latest security features and protect your personal information from cyber-attacks.

Be cautious of public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. When you use public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or email. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN or a mobile hotspot to create a secure connection.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that encrypts your internet connection, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, which protects your online privacy and prevents cyber criminals from stealing your personal information.

Monitor your accounts regularly

Monitoring your bank and credit card statements regularly can help you detect unauthorized transactions and take action quickly. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud and take steps to protect your accounts.

By following these tips into your online security routine can further enhance your protection against identity theft and cyber-attacks. By being proactive and vigilant, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams and protect your personal information from cyber criminals and the devastating consequences that come with it.