• Never share account details or other information that you use to prove your identity, with friends, family or other people.
• Think about what you share on social media, such as date of birth and family members’ or pets’ names you also use in your passwords. Don’t post details or images of your driver’s licence, passport, NI number or other confidential items.
• Never reveal private information in response to an email, text, letter, phone call or web form unless you’re certain that the request is authentic. Call to check, on the number you know to be correct.
• Instal the latest software, app and operating system updates on your computer and mobile devices. Better still, set them to update automatically.
• Make sure all your passwords are strong, and keep them safe. Try using three random words, combined with capital and small letters, numerals and symbols.
• Don’t use the same password for more than one account.
• Use a strong and separate password for your email accounts.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots when doing anything confidential online. They may not be secure, and they may even be fraudulent.
• Always beware of people looking over your shoulder when you’re entering private information on a computer, mobile device or ATM.
• Arrange for paperless bills and statements instead of printed ones.
• File sensitive documents securely, and shred those you no longer need – preferably with a cross-cut shredder.
• Get regular credit reports to check if anybody has taken out finance in your name.

Message Sent By
Derek Pratt MBE (NWN, Administrator, Sussex)