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Security - Top tips to keep your accounts safe

How You Can Help Protect Yourself 

Protect Your Login Details 

  • Never share your login information or password with anyone.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
  • Change your passwords regularly and avoid using the same password across multiple sites. 

Be Alert to Suspicious Activity 

  • Regularly review your account statements and transaction history.
  • If you notice any unfamiliar transactions, contact us immediately. 

Beware of Phishing and Scams 

  • We will never ask you to provide personal information or passwords via email, text, or phone.
  • Be cautious when clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
  • Always ensure you are visiting our official website by typing the URL directly or using our official app. 

Keep Your Devices Secure 

  • Update your computer, smartphone, and apps regularly to the latest versions.
  • Use antivirus and anti-malware software.
  • Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks when accessing your accounts. 

Protect Your Identity 

Be cautious about the personal information you share online, especially on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Limiting what you disclose helps reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud. 

Create Strong and Unique Passwords 

  • Use passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Avoid common words or easily guessable phrases.
  • Use a different password for each website or service. 

Keep Your Computer Software Up to Date 

  • Operating System: Regularly update your OS (e.g., Windows, Mac Operating System) to apply security patches. 
  • Web Browsers: Keep your internet browsers updated to the latest versions to protect against vulnerabilities. 

Report All Cyber Crime to Action Fraud

It’s important all crime is reported; cybercrime is no different.

  • Even if you didn’t lose money, you should still report every instance of fraud or cyber crime you’re targeted by. Every report assists police investigations, disrupts criminals, and reduces harm. Reports are also used to identify crime trends and create awareness campaigns to help protect people against them.
  • Report online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by telephone on 0300 123 2040.
  • Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, and suspicious texts to 7726.