E-Safety

Adjust privacy and safety settings to increase security and control the personal data you share. Look for the ‘privacy and security’ or ‘settings’ on the app or website.
Review the security settings on your ‘smart’ devices. If your device is using a default or easily guessable password, change it.
Set up two-factor authentication. This is a free security feature to stop unwanted people getting into your accounts. You’ll receive a text or code when you log in to check you are who you say you are.
Update your devices. Using the latest version of software and apps can immediately improve your security.

It is important to understand the website or app you are using and how they do things – find out in their terms and conditions.
If you see harmful activity, report it to the site. Platforms often offer advice on how to do this but you can also seek support at:
- Samaritans
- Mind
- BEAT
To prevent unwanted content from appearing, set filters on your home broadband and mobile networks. The UK Safer Internet Centre has advice on how.

Criminals will use every opportunity they can to scam innocent people. Beware of fraud and scams online including COVID-19 related phishing emails and text messages. There is guidance on how to recognise these emails.
You can forward any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, a new service run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Suspicious Email Reporting Service. The NCSC’s automated programme will immediately test the validity of the site and if found to be phishing scams, they will be removed immediately.
Do not give out your personal information to websites or in response to emails/text messages you do not recognise or trust.
There is further information on gov.uk on how you can protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime.
If you think you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.

Check your security and privacy settings