The internet is a wonderful thing but unfortunately, there are people out there who will try to steal your personal information from your computer by accessing it through the internet, using fake websites emails. This may seem scary, but thankfully there are things you can do to avoid getting scammed and protect yourself.

If you follow the following tips, you will greatly reduce your chance of getting caught out my scammers.

1.Remote access

Sometimes, if your computer or one of the programs need trouble shooting, a IT assistant will want to access your computer remotely. This is when they can take control of your computer from a different one, in a different place! Its a very clever tool, and a great way for scammers to get into your computer. So, make sure you only allow access from a trusted source, and never ever just let someone who phones you up requesting access in.

2.Strong passwords

Create passwords that are long and use a mixture of random numbers, characters and lower and upper case letters. Change your passwords regularly and try to have different ones for different websites. This makes it less easy for a con artist to guess.

3.Firewall

Make sure you leave your firewall switched on this acts like a shield that can stop scammers from getting into your computer. Most computers (such as Microsoft Windows computers) will have firewall settings built in. This monitors your computer security and can notify you if there is anything unexpected going on.

4.Emails

This is the one that catches people out quite a lot. Dont open emails or attachments that come from a suspicious source. Most email hosts will put dodgy messages straight into your spam folder, but sometimes a few can get through the net. If you dont recognise the sender and there is an attachment, dont download it. Its best to just delete the email. Also, remember that your bank or other secure websites, such as PayPal, will never ask you to download anything.

5.Check secure links

If there is a padlock symbol in the corner of your browser window, that appears when you have to log in to a website, then this is a secure site. If the padlock isnt in the corner, then be careful. If the padlock is on the actual website rather than in the browser window, its likely this is fraudulent.