Improve your cyber security with these six simple actions...

Oct 25, 2022

New statistics published by the Office For National Statistics (ONS) reveal that fraud offences increased by 25% (to 4.5 million offences) compared with the year ending March 2020.

Two out of every three fraud victims suffer a financial loss and according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 61% of fraud incidents in 2021/22 were cyber-related.

Take the fight to the fraudsters this International Fraud Awareness Week by following these 6 simple steps to improve your cyber security.

1. Use a strong and separate password for your email

If a hacker gets into your email, they could reset the passwords for your other accounts using the ‘forgot password’ feature. In fact it’s good practice to use separate passwords for all your important accounts such as banking and social media. Find out more in this short animation from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

2. Create strong passwords using 3 random words

An easy way to create strong, memorable passwords is by using 3 random words. Don’t choose words that could easily be guessed, like children’s or pets names.

3. Save your passwords in your browser

Let your web browser remember your password for you by saving your passwords in your browser, this will help you manage multiple separate passwords.

4. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security meaning that even if a fraudster has your password they won’t be able to access your accounts. Find out more in this short animation from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

5. Update your devices

Turn on automatic updates for software, apps, and operating systems to ensure that the most up-to-date and hopefully the most secure version is being used. You should also ensure that you have anti-virus software installed, many banks such as those listed below offer free software to customers and some companies offer discounts to NHS staff for premium software packages:

· Free anti-virus software for Santander, HSBC, and Natwest customers.

· NHS staff get 30% off Antivirus & Internet Security from Avast.

6. Back up your data

If the worst happens and your data is lost or stolen, a back up will enable you to recover most of what was lost. Many systems have an automatic backup function, enable this and your data will regularly be backed-up without you having to remember.

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International Fraud Awareness Week 2023 (12-18 Nov)

By Andy Knight • 03 Oct, 2023

SAFE are proud to be in their seventh year as official supporters of International Fraud Awareness Week (IFAW) 2023. This years event takes place from 12-18 November but you don't need to wait until #fraudweek to be a fraud fighter. We've got lots of great tips and advice here and we'll add more as we approach #fraudweek so make sure you keep checking back here. Be sure to like and follow our LinkedIn and X accounts to stay up-to-date with the very latest fraud prevention advice. Fraud and cyber crime account for over 40% of all estimated crime in England and Wales, affecting more people, more often, than any other crime. The social and economic cost to individuals is estimated to be in excess of £4.7 billion a year. The more aware we all are about fraud, the less likely we are to fall victim to it.

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