Protect your devices

If your device is infected by a virus, hacked, stolen or lost, it could help a fraudster to steal your details and use your online accounts.

Make sure you know how to keep devices, like your mobile phone, safe.

 

Our top tips to keep your device and apps safe

  • Lock your device after using it.​
  • Use a PIN, password or biometrics like your fingerprint to unlock your device.​
  • Lock your SIM to stop others from using it if lost or stolen, if your device has this feature.​
  • Know where your device is all the time, especially when you’re out in public. ​
  • Log out of online accounts.​

Don't store personal or banking details on your device. This includes passwords and PINs. Avoid using obvious places, like a notes app.

More device safety tips

Stay alert. Keep your phone safe from theft​

We’ve seen an increase in phone thefts. Here are our tips to help keep your device safe.​

  • In busy places, avoid holding your phone in your hand for long periods of time.​
  • Turn off message previews, these can help fraudsters know more about you.
  • Set up a second device so you can 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

If you need to buy a device, it’s safer to use a manufacturer’s website or company you trust instead of an online marketplace.

Most devices these days come with their own security features but will need updates and bug fixes.

Update your operating system

The operating system (OS) runs all the programs and apps on your device. It also helps to keep it safe from viruses, so update it when updates are available. And do the same for your internet browser, other software and apps too.

Most devices will update automatically, but you can choose when to install them.

Older computer systems and mobile devices might not get security updates anymore. So to stay secure, you may need to change your device.

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

How to download an app safely

Get mobile apps from an official store such as the App Store or Google Play.

Check reviews before you download an app and other guidance from the store to make sure it’s safe.

Keep your device virus free

Antivirus software can help to protect your device. If you install an antivirus, keep it up-to-date and scan for viruses at least once a week. It should tell you if a site or file is unsafe to open.

Fraudsters hide computer viruses inside files, attachments and programs. If you need to open a file or attachment or download a program, make sure it comes from a genuine source and you scan for viruses.

Try a free email, link or website checker online. Type, or copy and paste a site address or link to check if it’s genuine.

A firewall helps to stop people from getting into a computer. Always keep it on. Only a computer expert should turn it off.

How to use Wi-Fi safely

Fraudsters use Wi-Fi to steal your details

It’s safer to use your mobile phone network than public Wi-Fi. Fraudsters set up hotspots in cafes and other public areas hoping you connect to it so they can try to steal your data and details.

You can trust your Wi-Fi connection at home, but will need to protect it.

Change your Wi-Fi network name

To get Wi-Fi, you’ll need a network router from an internet service provider. A router connects your device to the internet and comes with a name that identifies the network. Usually, you can find the network name printed on the back of your router.

Change the name in the Wi-Fi settings to make it hard to guess. Select random words and numbers but never use your personal details.

Choose a strong network router password

Change the password that came with your network router. Use random words, numbers and special characters.

Turn off auto-connect

Go to the settings option on your device to stop if from automatically connecting to open, unknown Wi-Fi networks, which could be dangerous.

Update your network router

Make sure to update your network router when updates are available.

How to avoid a SIM swap scam

Fraudsters pretend to be your mobile phone provider on a call or text. They ask you to verify a code or to click a link to enter one online.

Never give anyone who calls or texts unexpectedly a code or enter it online for them.

If fraudsters get your personal details, they can call your provider to either:

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

If you suddenly can’t make phone calls or send text messages, contact your provider on a trusted number right away.

Report scam texts for free to 7726.

How to avoid a SIM swap scam

Fraudsters pretend to be your mobile phone provider on a call or text. They ask you to verify a code or to click a link to enter one online.

Never give anyone who calls or texts unexpectedly a code or enter it online for them.

If fraudsters get your personal details, they can call your provider to either:

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

If you suddenly can’t make phone calls or send text messages, contact your provider on a trusted number right away.

Report scam texts for free to 7726.

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.

Avoid 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

Learn how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Learn how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud