Protect your passwords
If your passwords are hard to guess, they can help to protect your online accounts.
Our guide tells you how to create a strong password and stay safe.
There are many simple things you can do to stay safe online.
Choosing a strong password is a good place to start. But you'll need to pick a different one for every account you own.
Tips to protect your passwords
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You can create a strong password by choosing three random words. And to keep it safe from other people, don’t share it or write it down.
To make a password even harder to guess, you can add numbers or special characters. The longer the password, the stronger it is.
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Your first line of defence is your email account. It can hold a lot of your personal details and be used to get into your other online accounts.
If you don’t have one already, pick a new strong password for your email account. Then do the same for all your other accounts, like:
- Bank account.
- Social media accounts.
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Use a different, strong password for each account you have. You can use your browser to help you remember them all.
Your browser settings should let you save each password. Browser security is very good, so it’s a safe thing to do and makes it easier to log in.
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If an account asks you to set security questions, try to avoid using personal details. These can be easier for other people to guess.
When you bank online, we use two-factor authentication (2FA) to make sure it’s you. This makes it harder for someone to get into your account, even if they guess your password.
For 2FA to work, please make sure we have your latest phone number.
Other online providers and apps also use 2FA. If they do, it’s a good idea to turn it on as it will help to keep you safe.
If you think someone else knows your banking details contact us now.
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You can get straight forward, impartial advice on how to avoid scams from Take Five.
You can report a crime or get general advice from Action Fraud. They help banks and other companies combat fraud.
They offer advice on how to keep yourself and your devices safe from fraud.
UK Finance is there to support customers and to help make sure it's safe to bank.
Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)
The PRA is part of the Bank of England. Their role is to make sure banks act safely and reduce the chance of them losing money.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The FCA is there to make sure banks work well so customers are protected and get a fair deal.
CIFAS can help to protect your identity. They can stop fraudsters from using your details to apply for things in your name.
This is a government site that gives advice on how to stay safe online.
This is part of the FCA site. You can use it to check on an investment or pension deals to help you avoid scams.
Bank of Scotland does not control the content of any of the websites linked to on this page.
Bank of Scotland will never ask you to:
- Share your account details like user ID, password and memorable information.
- Tell us your Personal Security Number (PSN) for Telephone Banking.
- Tell us your PIN code or card expiry date.
- Move money to another account.
Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 169628.