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Protect your passwords

A good password can protect you from fraud.

Learn how to create passwords that are hard to guess.

 

Choose strong passwords

Protecting yourself online starts with a strong password for your email account. Create different passwords that are hard to guess for your other online accounts, like your bank account and social media.

If fraudsters hack your email account, they might:

  • Get into your other online accounts.
  • Steal your personal and banking details.
  • Target your family and friends by pretending to be you.
  • Reset your passwords to take control of your accounts.

Choose strong passwords

Protecting yourself online starts with a strong password for your email account. Create different passwords that are hard to guess for your other online accounts, like your bank account and social media.

If fraudsters hack your email account, they might:

  • Get into your other online accounts.
  • Steal your personal and banking details.
  • Target your family and friends by pretending to be you.
  • Reset your passwords to take control of your accounts.

 How to create and remember strong passwords

How strong is your password?

Start with three random words, then add numbers, capital letters and special characters to create a strong password. It needs to be long so it’s difficult to guess.

Never use details, words or numbers that are personal to you.

To find out how strong your passwords are, search online for a free password checker.

How to remember your passwords

You may need help with remembering your passwords. If you have to write them down, only put enough to jog your memory, never the whole thing. Follow National Cyber Security Centre advice by keeping any passwords that you write down safe, out of sight and away from your device.

If your device is secure, save your passwords to a web browser. You may need to select this option in the browser’s settings if it doesn’t automatically give you a choice.

You can also use a password manager.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

We may need to text you a code, or send one by automated call to make sure it’s you using your account online. This is two-factor authentication and can only work if we have your current phone number.

Many online providers and apps use the same kind of protection, so use it if it’s available.

If your banking details fall into the wrong hands, contact us straight away.

Use a password manager

Devices like mobile phones, have a password manager app that lets you save your passwords.

Only use an app like this if you know how it works and are confident it’s secure. Always keep your password manager up to date and protect it by choosing a very strong password.

Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself

Protect your identity

Fraudsters want to steal your personal and banking details.

Keep your identity safe

Protect your devices

Do you know how to keep your devices safe?

Learn about device safety

Scam messages

Fraudsters try to steal your details through emails and texts.

How to spot scam messages

Scam calls

Find out how fraudsters can use your details to win your trust.

Avoid scam calls

Social media scams

Did you know fraudsters set up fake profiles just to steal money?

Stay safe on social media

Buying online scams

Fraudsters sell fake items online or ones that don’t exist.

Buy online safely

Learn about the latest scams

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to try to steal your details and money. Discover which scams are common right now.

Go to latest scams

Have you been targeted by fraudsters?

Contact us right away if you think you've been scammed. We can then guide you on what to do next.

Contact us now

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud