7 Simple Ways to Stay Safe Online

Online Safety Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

Every week I fix computers that have been hit by scams, viruses, or dodgy downloads. The good news? Most of it is preventable with a bit of common sense.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

"Password123" isn't going to cut it. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — at least 12 characters. Better yet, use a password manager like Bitwarden (it's free). It creates strong passwords and remembers them for you.

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

That extra step where they text you a code? It's slightly annoying, but it stops hackers dead. Turn it on for your email, banking, and social media. Even if someone steals your password, they still can't get in.

3. Don't Click Dodgy Links

If you get an email saying your Netflix account is suspended or your bank needs urgent action — don't click the link. Go to the website directly by typing it in your browser.

Scammers are getting very good at faking official emails. The tell-tale signs:

• The sender's actual email address looks wrong (hover over it)
• Urgency and pressure ("Act now or your account closes")
• Links that go to strange URLs

4. Keep Everything Updated

Those update notifications that keep popping up? They're usually patching security holes that hackers actively exploit. Let Windows, your browser, and your apps update regularly. Set them to auto-update if you keep clicking "remind me later".

5. Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi at the coffee shop is convenient, but don't do your online banking or shopping on it. Unsecured public networks can be monitored. If you must use public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, use a VPN.

6. Back Up Your Files

If ransomware locks your files, the only real fix is a backup. Ransomware encrypts everything and demands payment — and paying doesn't guarantee you get your files back.

Use an external hard drive or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud). Do it now — before anything goes wrong.

7. If In Doubt, Ask

Received a weird email? Not sure if something is legitimate? Don't be embarrassed — just ask someone. I'd rather answer a quick question than spend two hours fixing a computer that's been compromised.

How to Spot a Phishing Email

The clues are usually there if you look:

• The sender's actual email address doesn't match the company (e.g. [email protected] instead of @netflix.com)
• A sense of urgency ("Your account will be closed in 24 hours")
• Links that go to odd URLs — hover over them before clicking
• Poor grammar or slightly off branding

What to Do If You Think You've Been Hacked

Don't panic — act quickly:

1. Change your passwords immediately from a clean device if possible
2. Turn on two-factor authentication
3. Check for suspicious activity — emails sent, accounts opened
4. Contact your bank if you've entered any financial details
5. Run a full malware scan

If things have gone further — ransomware, strange programs you can't remove, or a computer that won't behave — I offer remote support and can usually connect within the hour. For serious infections I can also come to you in Kent — book a repair here.

Got a security problem? I remove malware, recover compromised accounts, and set up proper defences. Get in touch →