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Cyber-attacks do not just happen to large corporations.  Small businesses, groups and charities must protect their IT systems, too.

In light of today’s Safer Internet Day, Rebecca Wilson, IT consultant for David Allen IT Solutions provides some practical steps you can take to tighten up your online security.

Create complex passwords: We know you’ve heard it before, but creating strong, unique passwords for all your critical accounts really is the best way to keep your personal and financial information safe.

Boost your network security: Make sure that your connections are secure.  When at home or work, you probably use a password-protected router that encrypts your data, but when in public places, avoid using free unsecured Wi-Fi.

Be a selective sharer: There are a lot of opportunities to share our personal information online.  Just be cautious about what you share, particularly when it comes to your identity information.  This can potentially be used to impersonate you or guess your passwords and logins.

Protect your mobile: Our mobile devices can be just as vulnerable to online threats as our laptops.  In fact, mobile devices face new risks, such as risky apps and dangerous links sent by text message.  Be careful where you click, do not respond to messages from strangers, and only download apps from official app stores.

Practice safe browsing & shopping: When shopping online or visiting websites for online banking or other sensitive transactions, always make sure that the site’s address starts with “https” and not just “http”, and it has a padlock icon in the URL field.  This indicates that the website is secure and uses encryption to scramble your data.

Keep software up to date: Keep all of your software up-to-date, so you have the latest security patches.  Turn on automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it.

Be click smart and lookout for the latest scams: Online threats are evolving all the time, so make sure you know what to look out for.  Phishing messages are on the rise, this is when cyber criminals send scam emails or text messages and you are tricked into revealing personal information.  These messages may look like the real thing but are malicious.  Once clicked, you may be sent to a website which could download viruses onto your computer or steal your passwords.  Stay on top of this and other threats by staying informed.

Always be cautious about what you do online, which sites you visit, and what you share.  Use anti-virus software, and make sure to backup your data on a regular basis just in case something goes wrong.

For further information to ensure your online security is covered contact a member of our team. Our offices can be found in Dalston, Carlisle, Dumfries, Penrith and Workington.