Protect yourself and your computer

It is important to protect your identity and personal details

You man using laptop in public space

Protect your identity

  • Destroy all unwanted paperwork
  • Keep valuable documents in a secure place
  • Regularly check your statements
  • Don't fall victim of a scam by responding to unexpected emails or text messages and don't click on any links or attachments within them

Protect your computer

Any computer connected to the internet is vulnerable to malware; viruses, trojans or spyware.

Viruses and Trojans

Viruses are harmful programs that disturb the way computers work. They come in many forms and can be attached to emails, disguised as innocent looking programs and documents, or spread by infected websites.
Viruses will try to either collect information about you and send it on to an unauthorised third party or damage your computer by removing important files or altering data.

Trojans can detect passwords when you log into a website and credit card details when you shop online. Some advanced Trojans can direct you to fake pages or a spoofed website, tricking you into disclosing sensitive information.

If your computer is affected by malware your personal and financial information could be easily compromised. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that the information on your computer is safe.

Install antivirus software

Good antivirus software will scan your incoming emails, the websites you visit and files you open, for known viruses.
New viruses are discovered daily, so it is important that you set your antivirus software to update at least every 2 or 3 days.

Turn on your Firewall

A firewall is an essential barrier between your computer and the internet, preventing anyone connecting to your computer without your permission. Most computers have inbuilt firewalls that will alert you if they are not turned on. There are other firewall products that can be downloaded and some will come as part of an antivirus package.

Make sure your computer has a firewall installed and that it is always turned on.

Keep your operating system up to date

Malware can be made to target security loopholes and flaws in your operating system and the software it runs.

Most operating systems and software have an option to automatically check for updates when you connect to the internet; make sure this is turned on.
Other software you use can be updated by checking the manufacturer's website.

Protect your wireless network

The wireless router which is used to connect your computer to the internet is the most common device that can be targeted by hackers to steal personal information from your computer. We don't advise using Wi-Fi hot spots to access your account. If you use a Wi-Fi network at home, make sure that it is secure.

Keep your mobile device up to date

If you are accessing your account using a smartphone or tablet device, always make sure that your device's firmware, operating system and apps are up to date.

Webutation

Webutation is an open community about website reputation. It can test websites against spyware, spam and scams with smart scanning technology in realtime, that way, by simply pasting the URL of the site you want to visit you will be given the chance to learn if it is safe or not.

You can find out more by visiting www.webutation.net

Tell us

If you believe you have received any communication that is suspicious, or are concerned about the safety of your account please get in touch with us by email at cfs@slc.co.uk.

If you have responded to a phishing email you should change your account password and forward the email to our security team at phishing@slc.co.uk.
Please note we cannot respond to all emails sent.

At-a-Glance

  • A good anti-virus scanner will check incoming emails, install one and keep it up to date
  • Don't access your account through a Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Ensure your computer has a firewall installed and turned on

Other Resources