If you require mental health crisis support, please contact your local mental health services, your GP, or telephone 111 or the emergency services.

Home > Online safety

Online safety

Staying safe online Online safety

Online security – things to do before you go online

Install security software.

Anti-virus software will look for and remove viruses before they can infect your computer. Anti-spyware software prevents unwanted adverts from popping up, tracking your activities or scanning your computer for personal information. The best option is to buy a package from a reputable provider. Free, basic antivirus protection is available from most major manufacturers.

Security sign.

Protect your network.

If you have a wireless router, check that your wireless network is secure so that people living nearby can’t access it. It is best to set up your network so that only people with a wireless ‘key’ (meaning password) can connect to your network. There should be a padlock symbol next to your wireless network. If there is not a padlock, your network is not protected. You will need to contact your internet or broadband provider for help with this.

network cable.

Keeping your computer up to date.

Every computer has an operating system that controls all hardware and programs. Keep updating your computer operating system to better protect you from viruses. You should receive notifications when new updates are available, but you can also update your system manually.

Computer which says upgrading windows 14% done

Do you wish to be anonymous?

When you are online your computer leaves a digital footprint of the sites it has visited. This is known as an IP address and experts use this to identify your physical location. You may choose to hide your location (this can be particularly useful if you are using chat rooms on a regular basis) by using proxy software, sometimes called a web proxy or virtual private network (VPN) which adds more security.

A computer which says vpn protected on it.

Tips for staying safe whilst being online

Password safety

Passwords

Set strong passwords – include capital letters, numbers and symbols. There is more information on setting password in the using social media page of this course.

Being wary of viruses

Viruses

Computer viruses can be spread via email in attachments. When you open the attachment, it downloads files that can be harmful to your computer or access your email contacts. Be wary of emails you receive where you don’t know the sender or if you receive an email from someone you do know, and it has no content – only an attachment. Always delete these emails.

Fraudulent websites

Fake websites

There has been a rise in fraud and scams online. Be wary of emails you get which ask any personal information or to login to any type of account.

Email safety

Email

Never click on links, or open attachments, in emails from senders you don’t know. If in doubt, double check by going to a trusted website and typing the website address yourself.

Online connections

Relationships

Scammers can use social networks such as dating websites or chat rooms and once they’ve gained your trust, they’ll start asking you for money, often by telling you an emotional story. Trust your instinct. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Never send money or give your personal details out.

Fake health claims

Health

False claims may be made about medical products, such as health cures, and fake online pharmacies may offer medicines cheaply. However, the medicine can turn out to be poor quality and even harmful. Any online pharmacy should have the ‘Registered Pharmacy’ logo on the website’s home page which should lead to the General Pharmaceutical Council website. 

Shopping

Online shopping and banking

Shopping and banking online can be quick and convenient, especially in the current climate, but it’s important that you protect your financial information.

You should always ensure that the website you are using is a secure one before you enter any personal details. There are ways to spot that a website is secure, including:

  • The address starts with ‘https’, the ‘s’ stands for secure.
  • The address bar is green, which is a sign that you’re using a safe website.
  • A padlock symbol is in the browser where the website address is (but don’t be fooled if the padlock appears on the page itself).
  • A current security certificate which is registered to the correct address (this appears when you click on the padlock).

Be aware that a padlock symbol is not an absolute guarantee of safety. If you ever have doubts, it’s best to leave the page.

Scams

Important:
Increase in scams

People have reported that there have been an increased number of scam emails or texts, for example purporting to be from Netflix or Paypal, which tell you that your account has been compromised. Never click on any links provided in the emails or texts or provide any personal information. Likewise, you should be very cautious if you receive any telephone calls, for example, from people claiming to be from your bank. Your bank will not ask you for personal information over the telephone.

You may be tempted to download or stream a film from a website, but as well as being illegal, this can make your computer more susceptible to malware or viruses.

What to do verses what not to do

Do

  • Contact a computer technician if you are worried that your computer is not working as it should be.
  • If you are experiencing issues with your broadband or wireless (wifi) network, you may wish to try turning it off, waiting around 30 seconds, and then turning it back on again as a lot of the time this can solve any connectivity problems. If this does not resolve the issue you should contact your provider.
  • If you think you have been the victim of a scam or are worried that something is a scam you should contact the Police, then Action Fraud.

Do not

  • Do not contact anyone who says they are a technician, ensure that they are qualified and reliable.
  • Do not try to solve issues yourself if you do not know what you are doing as this may create more damage.
  • Do not assume that everyone is kind and helpful. Scammers can be misleading.
Previous Lesson
Back to Course
Next Lesson