Online crime

How to protect yourself from online crime:

• Use hard-to-guess passwords – Have different passwords for different accounts in case one is compromised. An ideal password is made up of three random words, with capitals, numbers, and special characters. For a good example, watch the Little Guide to Passwords video at http://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia.
• Install antivirus software on your computer and mobile devices and always update it when prompted – This can stop malicious software from infecting your computer or device. Always update any software when prompted to keep vulnerabilities to a minimum.
• Don’t follow links or open attachments in emails unless they are from a trusted source, and you are expecting the link – Opening links and attachments may allow malicious software to be downloaded onto your computer or device, and email addresses can be spoofed, so they might not be who they say they are!
• Be wary of emails asking you to input private information such as login details or banking information – The emails may not be from who they say they are and may be trying to trick you into providing private information. No reputable company requests private information from you in an email. Do not click on links in emails; log into any existing accounts by using an internet browser and a known internet address.