General

Since April 2020, members of the public have reported over 10.5 million suspicious emails to the UK’s cyber experts, resulting in the take down of 76,000 online scams. However, opportunistic criminals are taking advantage of people using digital devices more than ever before, with scams that can lead to accounts being hacked.

Fortunately, securing your most important accounts begins with following two simple steps:

• 1. Use a password based on 3-random words (3RW)
• 2. Secure accounts by enabling 2-step verification (2SV)

The advice comes direct from the UK’s authority on cyber security – the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.

The NCSC has just launched its latest Cyber Aware campaign which provides actionable advice on defending digital assets against the very real threat of online scams and hacking.

As we all spend more time online, it becomes increasingly critical that we are aware of the different ways to stay secure. We all have social media and email accounts. If they are hacked, they can be used to break into other linked accounts.

The Cyber Aware website gives clear instructions about how to set up 2-step verification (2SV), as well as guidance on passwords based on 3-random words (3RW). The aim is to protect all of us and make life even harder for the scammers.

Using 3-random words (3RW) allows you to set passwords that are unique, strong, and easy to remember. Enabling 2-step verification (2SV) significantly decreases the likelihood of an account being hacked. It is simple and dramatically reduces risks, including financial losses. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password.

Stealing a password can be simple – stealing a password and a device used to authenticate a login is much harder.

Protect yourself online and follow the Cyber Aware advice by sorting your 2SV and 3RW today.