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You are here: Home / Archives for cyber security

Cyber Security and Identity Theft in the Digital World

 

As a society, we are more connected than ever before. The average British household has 8 internet-enabled devices, 95% of Britons purchase goods online and 71% of UK adults own a smartphone. With this, we are more vulnerable than ever. Online identity theft is on the rise, more than doubling since 2009, with 41 to 50 year olds being the most likely to fall for such scams. Criminals are using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to gather information about their victims and attempt to steal their identity. In a world where we rely more and more on our devices, we are more and susceptible to these types of attacks. Acting with caution online should now be part and parcel of any users’ digital experience. Checking e-mail senders before clicking links, tightening up your social media privacy settings and being careful with what information you post online will help you to deter these criminals, who tend to look for easy targets. It is more important than ever to remain vigil and protect yourself against these attacks.

Below are some fantastic links to have a read over that will help you improve your cyber security and stave off criminals attempting to steal your identity!

Action Fraud 

BBC – Watchdog

CIFAS 

Experian

For more support at home and to find programmes in your area that may be able to help you feel more comfortable online, click here!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: cyber security, digital security, identity theft, social media

Free cyber security course

There’s no escaping the fact that cyber security is growing in importance – whether protecting confidential information at work or keeping your online transactions safe at home. If you’re baffled by the detail and want to know a bit more, the Open University offers a free Introduction to Cyber Security course.

This online course will help you to understand online security and start to protect your digital life, whether at home or work. You will learn how to recognise the threats that could harm you online and the steps you can take to reduce the chances that they will happen to you.

With cyber security often in the news today, the course will also frame your online safety in the context of the wider world, introducing you to different types of malware, including viruses and trojans, as well as concepts such as network security, cryptography, identity theft and risk management.

The lessons are delivered via various media and there’s an active discussion forum for students to talk through the issues.

More information: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/introduction-to-cyber-security/

The next dates for enrolment are: 4 July and 3 Oct.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: course, cyber security, elearning, free course, malware, online learning, online security, Open University, spam

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