Royal Mail became the latest high-profile victim of a cyberattack at the start of the new year.
According to BBC reports, the computer software – ransomware that encrypts data and locks systems – has been linked to Russian criminals. Stating that a “cyber-incident” had occurred, Royal Mail went on to advise customers not to try to send international letters or parcels.
The attack follows a similar incident that affected the NHS back in 2017. In 2020, easyJet was forced to admit that 9 million customers’ personal data had been stolen during a “highly sophisticated” cyberattack.
But attacks of this nature aren’t just aimed at large companies.
Cybercriminals will target individuals too and could lead to you being scammed if you don’t stay vigilant.
5 simple steps to help you stay safe online
1. Choose a secure password and keep it safe
Back in June 2022, you might have read our blog P4ssword123: 5 simple ways to stay safe online, in which we looked at password security.
The key messages were:
- Choose a secure password that includes a mixture of character types (upper and lowercase, numbers, special characters)
- Avoid words or phrases that are common or personal to you, such as your birthday or favourite sports team
- Use a different password for each platform
- Use software like LastPass to store multiple passwords securely, rather than writing them down
- Don’t share your passwords with anyone!
A secure password creates a strong barrier between you and a potential scammer so choose wisely and keep your passwords safe.
2. If a platform offers two-step verification, use it
We’ve all shredded bills and bank statements before throwing them away. These extra lines of defence can help to keep us safe online too.
Two-step verification (also known as “two-factor authentication”, or “2FA”) is available on many platforms.
And while it might seem like extra effort or a waste of time, it could make all the difference.
On top of a username and password, you’ll be asked for an additional means of identification. This might be a separate PIN, the answer to a security question, or a new code emailed to your chosen account.
Even a scammer that discovers your password won’t be able to gain immediate access to your account.
3. Don’t allow anyone to access your device via screen-sharing
The FCA warned in May 2022 of an 86% increase in screen-sharing scams.
Screen-sharing scams cost victims more than £25 million between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2022, with victims ranging from 18 to 70. One 59-year-old woman lost £48,000, and yet the FCA states that half of UK investors would miss the warning signs of this type of scam.
Scammers could purport to be financial advisors, or from your bank. They might ask you to share your screen to check for fraudulent transactions on a bank statement or to assess your financial suitability for a product.
Once they are in your system, however, they can clear your accounts and even apply for loans on your behalf.
If a cold-caller asks you to download screen-sharing software or asks for access to your device, say no and hang up immediately.
4. Be wary of texts or emails and don’t click on links
Scammers will try to impersonate trusted organisations such as the NHS, HMRC, or the police. Fraudsters are adaptable too, with new scams appearing all the time.
During the pandemic, fraudsters capitalised on our fear to offer facemasks and one-off “Covid compensation” payments, while the cost of living crisis has led to debt-clearance scams.
If you receive an email or text claiming to be from a trusted company or organisation, check for spelling or grammatical errors, and check the official site yourself to see if their email address format matches the mail you have received.
Never reply directly to a message or click on any links. You could be taken to a clone site that looks genuine but is designed to harvest your data.
5. Be wary of romance scams
With Valentine’s Day approaching, romance scammers will likely be set to strike.
Romance scams are usually carried out using online dating sites or social media. A scammer will gain their victim’s trust before asking for small, one-off payments. Over time, requests will be more regular and the requested amounts larger.
Remember, these scammers are ruthless, and will look to capitalise on vulnerability to gain your trust.
Restrict your contact to the dating site or app, and never meet in person without carrying out as much research as possible. If you do choose to meet, make sure it is in a public place and never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Get in touch
Take a look at the FCA ScamSmart website for further information and remember to contact Action Fraud to report a suspected scam.
Stay vigilant, and if you need help or have any questions about your current financial situation or your future plans we are always on hand to help. Contact us now to find out how our Chartered financial planners could help you.
