Cyber Security

What is Cyber Security?

Many young people are curious and want to explore how technology works, what vulnerabilities it has and how it interacts with other technologies. This can include learning to code or experimenting with tools discovered online.

However, some young people make poor choices and use such skills illegally, without realising they're committing a crime. The average age of someone convicted for cyber-crime offences is much younger than other crime types; offenders are often teenagers.

For more information please visit Cyber Choices - National Crime Agency

Have a strong password
Simple passwords can easily be guessed by criminals. Don't use words personal to you (sports teams, pets, family names etc.) and never share it with anyone! Make sure you have a separate password for your email.
To create a strong password simply join three random words together. Then add numbers, symbols and uppercase letters.
Antivirus software
Viruses and malicious software (malware) can infect any device (computers, phones etc.) One it's there, it can lock you out, steal your information or even watch you in your home!
Always update your software
Software is never perfect. It often has vulnerabilities or holes that criminals can use to get inside. When one is found, the software is updated or patched to remove the problem.
Back up your data
Your files, contacts and memories are some of the most important things on your computer. if your computer was to break, or become infected, having a safe backup means you don't lose them.

Don't click on links and attachments
Emails you receive may contain attachments of links you are asked to click on. If you do, you're effectively opening your door, bypassing your security guard and inviting them in! Don't click on links unless you can verify where they came from. Call the sender to check if they are genuine. If in doubt, keep them out!
Don't share everything on social media
You wouldn't take an advert out to say you're going on holiday and your house is empty. Why tell the world via social media? Social Media is great to keep in touch with friends and family, but unless you've checked your privacy settings, you might be telling more people about your life than you intend.
Don't use free wi-fi for everything
If a Wi-Fi network is free or available to the public, then anyone can be on it and watch the traffic between your device and the internet. This means they could steal passwords, banking details or even photos of loved ones. Never use free Wi-Fi for anything you don't want a stranger to see.

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Advice

Teenage cybercrime: Help your child make the right #CyberChoices...