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Protect your devices

Fraudsters want to steal or take control of your device to get into your online accounts.

Find out how to protect your mobile phone, laptop and other devices.

 

Keeping your devices and apps safe

  • Lock your screen after using your device.
  • Use a PIN, password or biometrics like your fingerprint to help stop others from unlocking your device.
  • Lock your SIM, this will help stop someone from using your device if it’s lost or stolen.
  • When you’re out and about, keep tabs on your device. Especially in public places. 
  • Always log out of websites and online accounts.

Never store passwords and personal banking details anywhere on your device that’s easy to find, like your notes app.

More device safety tips

Protect your devices from theft

Mobile phone theft is on the rise. Here are our tips to help stop your device from going missing.

  • Spend less time using your phone in public places. As well as it being on show, you won’t be as aware of your surroundings.
  • Stop messages from previewing on your locked screen. A sneaky look and a fraudster could find out more about you.
  • Use another device you own to track, lock or wipe your phone remotely.

If someone steals your device, report it to the police. To help the police identify your phone, they’ll need your IMEI number. This stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. To find this, type *#06# into your phone keypad. Your IMEI number will come up on your screen.

Buying a device

Fraudsters use online marketplaces to advertise deals for devices that are scams. Buy from a manufacturer or a company you know and trust.

Make sure you get updates for your device to keep it secure and working properly.

Update your operating system

To make sure your device is secure and works properly, you’ll need to keep the operating system (OS) up to date. Also update your internet browser, software and apps when you can, or set your device to do it automatically.

Think about changing your device if it’s too old, to make sure you still get security updates.

Find out how to update devices on the National Cyber Security Centre website.

Keep your device virus free

Does your device have virus protection? Install antivirus software, keep it up to date and scan your device every week. You can also scan files, programs, attachments and websites to see if they’re safe.

There are free websites where you can check if a site, email or link is genuine.

A firewall stops people hacking your computer, so always keep it on. Only a computer expert should turn it off.

How to get an app safely

Download apps from an official store, like App Store and Google Play.

These stores give guidance for you to follow and customer reviews.

How to use Wi-Fi safely

Fraudsters use Wi-Fi to steal your details

When you’re away from home, use your mobile phone network. Fraudsters hack public Wi-Fi, setting up fake hotspots to steal your details.

You can trust your Wi-Fi at home as long as you protect it.

Change the name of your Wi-Fi network

Open the Wi-Fi settings to change the name of the network so it’s hard for a fraudster to guess. Use random words and numbers, never anything personal.

Choose a strong password for your network router

You need a network router to get online, but change the password that comes with it. Create a strong password with random words, special characters and numbers.

Turn off auto-connect

Stop your device from connecting automatically to unsafe Wi-Fi networks. Turn this off in your device settings.

Update your network router

Protect your network router by keeping it up to date.

How to avoid a SIM swap scam

For this scam, fraudsters text or call pretending to be your mobile phone provider. They want you to verify a code or to follow a link to enter one online. Delete any text like this, or hang up on a call.

If a fraudster steals your details, they can contact your provider to either:

  • swap your number to a new SIM card on the same network, or
  • move your number to another network.

If this happens, you won’t be able to call or text from your phone. Contact your provider right away on a number you trust.

7726 is a free number to report any scam text.

How to avoid a SIM swap scam

For this scam, fraudsters text or call pretending to be your mobile phone provider. They want you to verify a code or to follow a link to enter one online. Delete any text like this, or hang up on a call.

If a fraudster steals your details, they can contact your provider to either:

  • swap your number to a new SIM card on the same network, or
  • move your number to another network.

If this happens, you won’t be able to call or text from your phone. Contact your provider right away on a number you trust.

7726 is a free number to report any scam text.

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 passwords

Fraudsters will try to guess passwords to your online accounts.

How to create strong passwords

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