Most online attacks do not need clever hacking. They rely on people being rushed or careless. These five habits stop a great many of them.
1. Use long, different passwords
A long phrase of random words is stronger than a short, complicated one. Use a different password for every important account, and keep them in a password manager if you can.
2. Turn on two-step verification
This adds a second check, such as a code sent to your phone, so that a stolen password alone is not enough. Switch it on for email, social media and banking first.
3. Pause before you click
Fake messages pretend to come from banks, delivery firms or even friends. If a message is urgent, offers money or asks for a code or password, stop and check through another route.
4. Keep devices updated
Updates fix weaknesses that criminals know about. Switch on automatic updates for phones and computers.
5. Talk about it
Children should feel they can tell an adult when something strange happens, without fear of blame.
For schools
Include a short lesson on safe online behaviour each term. It takes little time and protects pupils, teachers and school records. Techbase can help design one for your school.