Online safety for adults

When you go online, think about your safety.

Passwords

Use a different password for each of the websites that you use. It’s especially important to use a unique password for your email address and bank accounts. The National Cyber Security Centre website has advice on how to keep your email account secure.

Shopping online

When you buy something online, check carefully to see who you’re buying from. Does it sound like a reputable company? Does the address in the address bar seem correct? Do the terms and conditions around refunds and cancellations sound reasonable?

If you have one, use a credit card to pay for your purchase – this gives you extra protection when shopping online.

Social media

For each social media platform that you choose to use, check your privacy settings. The National Cyber Security Council website explains how to manage your privacy on social media.

Emails and texts

If you’re approached by someone and you don’t know who they are, be careful. Scammers use emails, texts and messages to trick people into giving away their personal information, which they can then use to gain access to things like bank accounts. This is sometimes called a phishing scam.