Securing your devices

Securing your devices How to get your questions answered

If you’re sharing devices, does each user have their own profile setup? If not, are you making sure your browser hasn’t saved any passwords to online platforms? **** Have you changed all your default passwords? Do you know how to create a secure password? Most devices connected to the internet require passwords, including printers and home broadband routers. ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/three-random- words-or-thinkrandom-0

Do you always use the maximum privacy setting on apps and devices? Do you know where to go for more information and support? Protect your technology There have always been risks to being online. Many of us may have managed up until now without really thinking about it. But the more time we spend online, the greater the risk of being exposed to cybercrime. We are learning, working and communicating online, and from home, more than ever before so it is important to take steps to reduce the risks. This helpsheet gives you a few things to think about for keeping your technology safe. More importantly, it lets you know where you can go to get better informed. Devices can’t be completely safe but there’s a lot we can do to reduce risks, and measures that can be put in place for recovering data if anything does happen. You can find information and advice about online behaviour, and helping to keep your child safe on social media and gaming, in our Online Safety Nutshell npfs.org.uk/downloads/online-safety Some of this may sound complicated but there is good advice to help you. Information and resources These links give you information, advice and practical step-by-step guides for protecting your technology. • General advice and support on staying safe online: parentclub.scot/articles/online-safety • Step-by-step technical guides and resources by age of child internetmatters.org • Practical advice on how to protect yourself and your devices: getsafeonline.org/protecting-your- computer/software-updates • Resources and tools to help schools, parents and children during coronavirus swgfl.org.uk/coronavirus-guidance- and-resources • Advice on setting up parental controls to help you keep your child safe online nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/ online-safety/parental-controls • Video conferencing: guidance to help you to use video conferencing securely ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/video- conferencing-new-guidance-for- individuals-and-for-organisations • Advice for managing the cyber security challenges of home working ncsc.gov.uk/news/home-working- increases-in-response-to-covid-19 • How-to guide for preventing cybercrime europol.europa.eu/activities-services/ public-awareness-and-prevention- guides/make-your-home-cyber-safe- stronghold • What makes a good password ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/three-random- words-or-thinkrandom-0 Do you have anti-virus software on all your devices including smartphones? Are you backing up your devices?

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