How to keep a hacker out of your computer
KEEP GADGETS SAFE FROM VIRUSES
MODERN technology offers some great time-saving devices and hightech gadgets, but they are prone to hacking. Once a cyber-criminal gets into your computer they can use malware that reads or destroys personal information.
It comes in a wide variety of forms – from ‘worms’ that infect computers to Trojan horses when software looks perfectly innocent but hides a criminal intent.
A fraudster can also use ‘ransomware’ so that they can demand money to avoid data being destroyed or shared – and ‘spyware’ to watch you online.
Colin Tankard, of Digital Pathways, says there is basic free anti-virus software available to detect potential cyber-attacks. Special software can also be bought. Among anti-virus software he recommends – free or paid for – are packages from Avira, Sophos and McAfee. Other providers include Bitdefender and Norton.
It is not just computers, smartphones and wi-fi that criminals use to hack into the home.
Tankard says: ‘You would be amazed at how inventive criminals can be – hacking toasters and computer games.’
He explains that the latest toasters can be hacked by criminals to discover your wi-fi password.
There have also been cases of burglars secretly watching and listening to what is going on in a person’s home through malware in games downloaded on to a computer.
Tankard also warns against using public wi-fi for transactions such as banking as they are easy to hack.
ACTION PLAN: Install anti-virus software on to your computer. Be aware most high-tech gadgets can be hacked.
SEEK SUPPORT TO TACKLE FRAUD
PUBLIC body Action Fraud is worth contacting if you are a victim of fraud – but it provides more advice than help in finding financial criminals. In truth, it is a buffer for police forces inundated by calls and only passes on cases if it feels there is something that can be done.
Many financial institutions pass the buck and encourage victims to contact Action Fraud – washing their hands of responsibility. But do not let them off the hook. Demand that they look into fraud and if they are unhelpful complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Also, contact the police directly.
Emily Boneham, of Action Fraud, says: ‘We assess any reported fraud and the viability of it being investigated by police. We pass on information if we believe it can be pursued.’
The charity Victim Support recognises that many fraud victims feel frustrated by the lack of redress – accentuating any anxiety caused by the crime. Spokeswoman Rachel Almeida says: ‘Victims of fraud often feel embarrassed and ashamed. We are able to provide specialist emotional support as well as practical help.’
ACTION PLAN: Victims should immediately contact their bank and the police with details of any suspected fraud. Get extra help from Action Fraud and Victim Support.
BRACE YOURSELF FOR A BANK SHAKE-UP
NEW ‘open’ banking rules have been introduced this year that could provide fraudsters with yet more opportunities.
Major banks are being forced to share customer data with other firms – part of a ‘second payment services directive’ from the European Union.
The idea is to make banking more competitive and easy to use, but it may also provide opportunities for scammers.
For example, a social media website could use your bank account details to transfer money to a friend under the new legislation – adding convenience but also increasing the risk of fraud.
The idea is that eventually we might be able to manage multiple accounts – for example a bank account, an insurance policy and a savings plan – from one place.
ACTION PLAN: Do not opt into ‘open’ banking until it has become more established and has been proven to be safe.