Keep your Information Safe Online - cyber security tips!

We are increasingly hearing about a rise of scammers and of hacking and phising scams on the news. This is alarming and so we wanted to share some tips that we have learned about online safety. Anyone can be a victim of fraud and scams and so here at William Watson & Co Accountants Ltd we undertake an ongoing review of our security systems. We recommend that you do the same to keep your personal and financial information safe. We are not experts in this area but have found information from the National Cyber Security Centre and the Stop! Think Fraud Campaign to be helpful.

We utilise the most up to date version of digital and anti-virus security software and ensure that updates on computers and laptops are up-to-date. We also utilise 2-factor or multi-factor authentication to help protect against hacking. 2-factor authentication is where you are prompted to use a second security code using a second email or phone app to confirm that it is you when logging into an online system.

Scammers can steal your data by using:

• Phising Scams - you could be tricked to providing your data by opening a fake email or website that looks similar to a genuine one. Always check the email address from the sender is genuine and the website address is correct and the site is secure.

• Hacking - you could be convinced by a fraudster to download software onto a device. Hackers will then steal your data with this software.

• Phone Grabbing - criminals can target your mobile to get the log-ins and passwords you have stored on them and to access authentication codes. To be safe, you can carry bank cards and ID cards seperately from your mobile phone.

• Identity theft - criminals can steal letters or online documents that have your personal information on them.

We have found that most scammers try to contact you at the most inconvinient time, i.e. at lunchtime or at 5pm or during holidays, when you are least expecting it and may be otherwise distracted.

To protect your data you can:

• Be careful about who you share personal information with and shred any confediential papers.

• Use secure Wifi networks and avoid free unsecure public networks. You can check for a padlock sign on the top left of the address bar. A locked padlock usually means the site is secure. If unsure, use personal hotpsot wifi from a secure device (like your phone) if you have this option.

• Use up to date anti-virus software.

• Do regular software updates on devices.

For more guidance and helpful tips to keep your information safe online, check out the National Cyber Security Centre

The government currently has a 'Stop! Think Fraud' campaign running which has lots of helpful tips and advice to help keep your personal and financial information safe from fradusters.

It includes advice on 'How to Spot Fraud' and 'How to Protect Yourslef from Fraud'.

If you think your information may have been compromised, please follow their guidance.