Protect your devices

If fraudsters steal or take control of your device, they could get access to your online accounts and personal details.

Learn how to keep your laptop, mobile phone and other devices safe.

 

Helping you keep your device and apps safe

  • Make sure you lock your device when you’ve finished using it.
  • Stop anyone from unlocking your device by setting up a PIN, password or biometrics like your fingerprint.
  • Some devices allow you to lock your SIM to stop others from using it if lost or stolen.
  • Keep your device on you, especially when you’re out in public. 
  • Log out of online accounts.

As easy as it may be, don't store personal or banking details on your device. This includes passwords and PINs.

More device safety tips

Tips to keep your phone safe from theft

Phone and device thefts are rising. You can keep your devices safe by following these tips.

  • In busy public places, keep your phone out of view, limit your calls and screen time.
  • Message previews can help fraudsters know more about you. Turn off these previews.
  • Set up a device tracker on another device you own. This way, you can track, lock, or wipe your phone remotely if someone steals it.

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

It’s safer to buy a device from a trusted company or direct from a manufacturer than from an online marketplace.

Update your device regularly to help keep it secure and working properly.

Update your operating system

You need to update the operating system (OS), any software, the internet browser and any apps on your device. This will help it to work correctly and to protect against viruses.

Install updates when they’re available, or let a device do it automatically.

When a computer or device gets old, manufacturers can stop sending security updates. If this happens, you might have to change your device to stay secure.

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

Keep your device virus free

You can install antivirus software on your device to protect it against viruses. Make sure you update the software regularly. Scan for viruses every week and use it to check if websites or files are safe.

Only use programs, or open files and attachments that have been scanned and come from a source you trust.

Have you tried a free email, link or website checker online? They let you type, or copy and paste an address or link to check if it’s genuine.

Your firewall should be on all the time, as it can stop people hacking your computer. If you want to turn it off, get advice from a computer expert.

How to get an app safely

App Store and Google Play are official stores where you can download apps.

Follow their guidance before you get an app and read what others have said in online reviews.

 How to use Wi-Fi safely

Fraudsters use Wi-Fi to steal your details

Fraudsters can hack public Wi-Fi to target any details and data you send over the internet. To avoid this scam, use your mobile phone network instead.

At home, you can trust your Wi-Fi connection, but make sure to protect it. 

Change the name of your Wi-Fi network

Internet service providers will give you a network router to connect your device to the internet at home. The name of the network should be on the back of your router. To make it hard to guess, change it in the Wi-Fi settings, using random words and numbers. Never use any of your personal details.

Choose a strong password for your network router

A network router also comes with a password that you can change. Use random words, numbers and special characters to make it strong.

Turn off auto-connect

Devices often try to connect automatically to unknown Wi-Fi networks. Go into settings and turn the option off to stop this from happening.

Update your network router

Keep your network router safe by updating it regularly.

How to avoid a SIM swap scam

Fraudsters can call or text claiming to be your mobile phone provider. If you get a call out of the blue that asks you to verify a code or to click a link to enter one online, it’s a scam. To stay safe, hang up on a call like this or delete the text.

Another trick they use is to call your provider with your personal details to either:

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

A warning sign of this scam is not being able to use your phone to call or text. If this happens, immediately contact your provider on a number you trust.

You can report scam texts for free to 7726.

How to avoid a SIM swap scam

Fraudsters can call or text claiming to be your mobile phone provider. If you get a call out of the blue that asks you to verify a code or to click a link to enter one online, it’s a scam. To stay safe, hang up on a call like this or delete the text.

Another trick they use is to call your provider with your personal details to either:

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

A warning sign of this scam is not being able to use your phone to call or text. If this happens, immediately contact your provider on a number you trust.

You can report scam texts for free to 7726.

Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself

Protect your passwords

Fraudsters will try to guess passwords to your online accounts.

Learn about device safety

Protect your identity

Fraudsters want to steal your personal and banking details.

Keep your identity safe

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

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

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

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

Protect yourself from fraud