Staying safe in the digital world

Protect your data, devices and personal information so that you can stay safe in the digital world.

Protecting devices and data

Back up your data regularly to an external storage device or a trusted cloud storage service.
Check regularly that the data is actually present in the backup and can be restored.
Protect your devices with up-to-date antivirus software and an active firewall.
Keep your operating system, programmes and apps up to date with the latest updates.
Only install necessary programmes and apps, and obtain them from trusted sources, such as directly from the manufacturer or from the official app store.
Protect your computer, smartphone and tablet from unauthorised access and lock the screen when you are not using the device.
Completely delete personal data before you sell, dispose of or pass on an old smartphone, tablet or computer.

Use long and unique passwords or passphrases.
Use different passwords for different services. A password manager can help you with this.
Where possible, enable two-factor authentication – particularly for your email account, online banking and other important services.
Never disclose passwords, PINs or security codes – neither over the phone nor via email, text message or instant messaging.
Do not grant unknown people remote access to your computer, smartphone or tablet.
Do not install any remote maintenance programmes simply because you are asked to do so over the phone.

Be wary of unexpected messages. Even messages that appear to come from your bank, the post office, the police or someone you know may be fake.
Don’t let yourself be pressured. Fraudsters often try to elicit a quick response by creating a sense of urgency, making threats or claiming there is an emergency.
Check any unusual requests for money. Do not transfer money following a surprise phone call or an unexpected message.
Check directly with your relatives. For example, if a family member contacts you from a new phone number and asks for money, get in touch with them using the number you already know.
Stay alert if something seems out of the ordinary. An unknown sender, a surprise request or an unusually good offer can be warning signs of a scam.
If in doubt, speak to someone you trust. Do not react immediately if a message, phone call or request seems suspicious.

Do not click on links in emails, text messages or instant messages without thinking. If in doubt, visit the official website yourself.
Do not open any unknown attachments in unexpected emails or messages.
Be cautious with QR codes too. These can lead to fake or malicious websites.
Be very cautious about sharing personal information. Think carefully about what details you disclose online, on social media, over the phone or to people you do not know.
Check the data protection and privacy settings on your apps and social media platforms. Use public Wi-Fi networks with caution. In particular, avoid carrying out sensitive transactions such as online banking over them.

If you suspect anything, please call the police on 117.