Protecting your computer is essential to ensure you are able to keep yourself safe when online. This section contains a summary of some of the key ways you can protect your computer. To learn more visit Get Safe Online.
Viruses and Spyware: Ensure that computers and laptops have antivirus installed and running. Mobiles and tablets don’t need additional antivirus provided you only downloaded applications from Apple App Store / Google Play Store. Regularly scan your computer for viruses and spyware. Avoid downloading files or software from untrusted sources.
Spam and Scam Emails: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, especially those asking for personal information. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. Use email filters to reduce the amount of spam you receive.
Ransomware: Regularly back up your important data to an external drive or cloud service. Keep your operating system and software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities. Be cautious of suspicious emails and websites that may contain ransomware.
Wireless Networks: Change the default password and SSID of your wireless router. Use WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi network. Regularly update your router’s firmware.
Software Updates: Always run the latest version of your operating system and software. Enable automatic updates to ensure you receive the latest security patches. Regularly check for and install updates for all installed software.
Firewalls: Enable the firewall on your computer to block unauthorised access. Use a hardware firewall in addition to a software firewall for added protection. Regularly review firewall settings to ensure they are properly configured.
Physical Security: Keep your computer in a secure location to prevent theft. Use strong passwords to protect access to your computer and data. Consider using a cable lock for added physical security.
Safe Disposal: Properly wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposing of your computer. Use software designed to securely erase data from your hard drive. Physically destroy the hard drive if you cannot wipe it.
Backups: Regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud service. Test your backups to ensure they can be restored if needed. Keep multiple copies of important data in different locations.
Protecting your devices
The first line of defence against cybercrime and fraud is the devices we use to access internet and email – it’s important to keep devices and apps up to date and install updates as soon as they become available. Wherever possible, set to auto-update.
Also, ensure that your device is secured by password, PIN or biometric security so others cannot access it. Click here to learn more.
Protecting your data
Make sure your important contact information, and documents are not just saved on your device or local network – make use of back up cloud services so in the event of device failure or device loss you can still access what is important to you. You may wish to back up to a separate device too. Click here to learn more.
Where can I go for support?
The Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations that provide support services for victims and witnesses in Derbyshire. These are free of charge and are available to anyone who lives in Derbyshire. For anti-social behaviour, these support services are provided by Derbyshire Victim Services.
Derbyshire Victim Services
If you have ever been the victim of anti-social behaviour, Derbyshire Victim Services can provide all the help and support you need. Their local team offers a friendly, free and confidential service to anyone living in Derbyshire. It doesn’t matter if you reported it to the Police or not they are here to help you with any practical advice and emotional support.
0800 612 6505
TEXT ‘DVS’ TO 82228
support@dvssupport.org
Below are a list of other organisations that may be able to provide advice and support:
Get Safe Online
The Get Safe Online website provides practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobiles device and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and other problems encountered online.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
NCSC support the most critical organisations in the UK, the wider public sector, industry, SMEs as well as the general public. NCSC provides advice to protect you and your family, and the technology you rely on.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/advice-guidance/you-your-family