Many of us spend a huge amount of time online. The internet makes our lives easier, but also provides a rich hunting ground for criminals who want to steal our money and personal details.

In this section we show you the protective measures everyone should take to reduce the risk of online fraud.

Make yourself a harder target

You can’t stop a criminal attempting to defraud you online, but you can make yourself a harder target. Taking these steps to protect your devices and data will make you more secure whenever you’re online – whether banking, browsing, shopping, dating, gaming or sharing on social media.

Improve your password security

• How to create strong, secure and unique passwords and keep them safe from fraudsters.

Turn on 2-step verification (2SV)

• How to create an extra level of protection on your most important accounts.

Keep your software and apps up to date

• How to install security updates to protect against cyber attacks.

Use antivirus software

• How and why to use antivirus software on computers and laptops.

Stay safe on social media

• How to ensure you don’t share more than you should on social media.

Enable security features on personal devices

• Check which security features you should have switched on.

Recognise the signs of online fraud

• A lot of online fraud involves fake emails, adverts and websites which are designed to steal bank details or other personal information. Find out how to spot the signs of fraud when you’re online and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim.