Stay Safe Online - web security tips for small businesses

Some timely reminders about web security and keeping your information safe

We all get a bit blase about web safety after a while. We think we know what a scam is, how to avoid phishing and when not to enter our credit cards.

However, it never hurts to go over the essentials again, to ensure we keep up with the latest advice.

Firstly, we should all remember that the crooks don't get dumber, they get smarter. Any new scenario is a potential security issue. Whenever you come across a new system or an extraordinary request from a website, stop and think. Can you check the legitimacy of the request? Are you handing over data that could be used by fraudsters? If you are at all unsure, leave the website and try another mode of communication.

Make sure your firewall is on and your anti-virus software is up to date. This is the key to stopping malicious attacks on your computer. Remember, that if someone gets into your computer they can set keylogging software in place to record your online banking passwords and credit card numbers. Don't give them the chance to do this.

Never open an email attachment unless you are sure the sender is legitimate AND that they intended to send you an attachment.

If someone purporting to be from your bank phones you, never give anyone your user ID, PIN or password, even if you are convinced they are genuine. Ask if it is important and if it is, offer to go to your local branch to deal with it there. If they say this is an emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately, they are definitely lying. All banks have emergency protocols and none demand that a customer provides a pin over the phone.

Finally, dig deeper into security issues by visiting a site such as Get safe online and read more about how to protect yourself and your data.

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