Protecting Your Personal Information Online

Personal information is anything that identifies you or could be used to find you. This includes:

• Your full name
• Your address
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your date of birth
• Your bank details
• Your passwords
• Your National Insurance number
• Photos of you or your family

If someone gets your personal information, they could:

• Steal your identity (pretend to be you)
• Access your bank accounts
• Open credit cards in your name
• Steal your money
• Access your email and social media accounts
• Find out where you live
• Use your photos without permission

Protecting your personal information helps stop all of this from happening.

Never Share:

• ❌ Your passwords
• ❌ Your bank PIN or card details
• ❌ Your National Insurance number
• ❌ Your full address (unless you're buying something online)
• ❌ Your date of birth (unless it's required for something official)

Be Careful With:

• ⚠️ Your phone number (only give it to people/companies you trust)
• ⚠️ Your email address (be careful where you enter it)
• ⚠️ Photos of yourself or your family (especially children)
• ⚠️ Information about when you're on holiday (don't post this on social media!)

It's Usually Safe to Share:

• ✅ Your first name (on social media, for example)
• ✅ Your general location (like "Bournemouth" rather than your full address)
• ✅ Your interests and hobbies

1. Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords make it harder for people to access your accounts. Learn how to create strong passwords.

Important: Use different passwords for different accounts. If someone gets one password, they won't be able to access everything.

2. Be Careful What You Share on Social Media

Think before you post:

• Don't post your full address
• Don't post when you're on holiday (it tells burglars your house is empty)
• Don't post photos of your children without thinking about privacy
• Check your privacy settings - make sure only friends can see your posts

3. Be Careful with Emails

Don't give out personal information in emails, especially if:

• You didn't expect the email
• The email asks for your password or bank details
• You're not sure the email is really from who it says it's from

Learn how to spot scam emails.

4. Only Enter Information on Safe Websites

Before entering personal information on a website:

• Check for the padlock icon 🔒
• Make sure the website address is correct
• Only use websites you know and trust

Learn how to check if a website is safe.

5. Keep Your Software Updated

Updates fix security problems that hackers might use to get your information. Make sure your computer, phone, and programs are all up to date.

6. Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software helps protect your computer from viruses and hackers. Good news: We provide free antivirus software with our device protection plan!

7. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi (like in cafes or libraries) can be less secure. Avoid:

• Entering passwords
• Online banking
• Entering credit card details

If you need to do these things, use your phone's mobile data instead.

8. Check Your Bank Statements

Check your bank statements regularly. If you see payments you didn't make, contact your bank immediately.

If you think someone has your personal information:

1. Don't panic - act quickly
2. Change your passwords immediately (especially for your email and bank)
3. Contact your bank if you think your bank details were stolen
4. Contact Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040)
5. Call us on 0808 123 2820 - we can help secure your computer and accounts

Q: Is it safe to shop online?
A: Yes, if you use well-known, trusted websites. Look for the padlock icon and make sure the website address is correct. Use a credit card (not a debit card) for extra protection.

Q: Should I give my email address to websites?
A: It depends. For shopping or services you need, yes. For random websites asking for it, be careful. They might send you spam emails or sell your email address to other companies.

Q: Is it safe to use social media?
A: Yes, if you're careful about what you share. Check your privacy settings and only accept friend requests from people you know.

Q: What about online banking?
A: Online banking is generally safe if you use your bank's official website or app. Make sure you have a strong password and never share it with anyone.

If you're worried about your personal information or think someone might have accessed it, we're here to help. Call us on 0808 123 2820 and we can:

• Help you secure your accounts
• Check your computer for viruses or hackers
• Help you change your passwords
• Give you advice on staying safe online

Remember - it's better to be cautious than sorry. When in doubt, don't share your information, and give us a call!