Do things safely
It may seem hard to keep ahead of the latest online threats and know how to deal with them – but there are a few basic steps you can take which will go a long way to protecting yourself online.
This section contains simple steps to help you safely navigate the internet and avoid common pitfalls.
Do things safely
Anti-virus software
Use this guidance to help protect yourself from some malware by using anti-virus software.
Backups
Recovering your data can be expensive or impossible. You need to backup your data.
Browsing the web safely
Protecting yourself by securing your devices, software and connections is important, but making the right choices when doing things on the web can make a huge difference to your safety online.
File sharing
When sharing files with friends and colleagues using the internet, take precautions to ensure files are not infected.
Online banking and payments
You need to protect your passwords for online banking and financial transactions.
Passwords and passphrases
Passwords and PINs are used to identify who you are. Sometimes they are the only defence to protect your information against unauthorised access.
Shopping online
When you shop online, be smart about the purchasing process and trust your instincts.
Socialising online
Social media sites allow you to control the types of information you share online and how you interact with others.
Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) involves using two different criteria to gain access to a website or account.
Using public wireless (or Wi-Fi) networks
It's easy for the data traffic sent using public Wi-Fi access points to be intercepted, so you need to be careful about what information you send or receive while connected and how.
Wi-Fi and internet connections
If you don’t take steps to protect your internet connection and network, they could be used illegally and without your knowledge.
