Skip to main content
Prepare

Cyber

Close up of someone typing on a laptop keyboard.

Cyber security is important because smartphones, computers and the internet are now such a fundamental part of modern life that it’s difficult to imagine how we’d function without them. From online banking and shopping, to email and social media, it’s more important than ever to take steps that can help prevent cyber criminals getting hold of our accounts, data, and devices.

Cyber security’s core function is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers), and the services we access – both online and at work – from theft or damage. It’s also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices, and online.

Actions you can take to stay secure online

  • Secure your online accounts, starting with your email account:
    • Use a passkey where available – it’s the more secure alternative to passwords, and is also easier to use.
    • Where you use passwords, make sure they are both strong and unique, and be sure to also set up 2-step verification (2SV) .
    • A password manager app creates, saves, stores and manages passkeys for you. It also helps you generate unique passwords, autofill them on websites, synchronise them across devices, and can warn of a password breach or leak. You can also manage passwords in your browser.
  • Secure your devices:
    • Install the latest software and updates to all your devices, including smart devices.
    • Enable automatic updates so you don’t miss important security updates.
    • Consider replacing any device that is no longer supported by the manufacturer.
  • Secure your data:
    • Know where your data lives – it could be on the device itself or in the cloud.
    • Back up important data (including photos and files) .
    • Protect your backup in the same way that you protect your online accounts.
    • Make sure you understand how to restore your data from the backup if you need to, and practise doing that occasionally.

Further information and resources

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides cyber security advice to protect you and your family and the technology you rely on.

If you think you might have been a victim of cyber crime, visit Report Fraud or contact them on 0300 123 2040.

For further support, Citizens Advice provide advice and support on online fraud. You can call their consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or chat to someone online.

In this section