BC Technologies
Kieran McGoldrick from BC Technologies on staying safe online
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The internet provides countless benefits, from staying in touch with family and friends to accessing information and services. But these benefits come with risks. Protecting your online presence is essential to keeping personal information secure and maintaining privacy. Here are some tips on navigating the digital world.
Be aware of the risks
First, it’s important to understand the risks.
Common threats include the following:
- Phishing scams – typically involve emails or messages that look like they’re from trusted sources but are actually designed to trick you into revealing personal information
- Malware – malicious software that can infect your device, potentially stealing data or causing damage
- Identity theft – when someone unlawfully gains access to and uses your personal details, often for financial gain
- Privacy breaches – can occur when your personal data is accessed without permission, as often happens through social media or unsecured websites.
Staying up to date on threats and best practices is key to staying safe online. Many reputable organisations offer free internet safety courses, and it’s a good idea to follow trusted news sources for the latest updates on scams and security. You might also consider joining local or online communities focused on internet safety for older adults, where you can share experiences and learn from others in a supportive environment.
Safeguard your personal info
Protecting your personal information is essential for maintaining privacy online. Be mindful about what you share on social media – your address, phone number or
birthdate can be used maliciously.
Take time to review your privacy settings to control who has access to your details. Also, avoid logging into sensitive accounts or making financial transactions when connected to public wifi networks. One of the most effective ways to secure your online accounts is by using strong, unique passwords. A secure password should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
Avoid common choices like “password” or “123456”. Also change your passwords regularly and consider using a password manager to help generate and securely store them.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of security. This requires two forms of verification, usually a password and a code sent to your phone, before
granting access to your account. Turn on2FA where possible, especially for email,
banking and social media.
Phishing scams remain a widespread threat, but they can be avoided. Always verify who an email or message is really from by checking the sender’s email address or phone number. Reputable organisations won’t request sensitive information via email or text. Watch out for urgent demands, poor grammar or unfamiliar links. Installing and updating antivirus and anti-malware software can also help block harmful content.
Keeping your software up to date is also important. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser and other applications to ensure you’re always protected with the latest security patches.
By following these internet safety tips, you can make the most of the digital world while keeping your details secure. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask a friend, family member or tech support for help.
CHANGE TO MICROSOFT OUTLOOK
Microsoft has a new version of Outlook for Windows, Outlook (New), which is being rolled out alongside the traditional Outlook Classic. The new Outlook is designed to provide a streamlined experience.
It offers a lighter, faster interface and integrates more smoothly with other Microsoft 365 apps. But this version is still evolving and lacks advanced features such as support for PST files, certain types of rules and legacy COM add-ins.
Outlook Classic is the full-featured desktop version many users have relied on for years. It supports a wider range of functionality, including advanced rules, add-ins, macros and offline capabilities, making it ideal for power users and enterprise environments.
If you prefer a simpler, more modern interface and your email and calendar use is mostly cloud-based – such as with Microsoft 365 or Outlook.com – the new Outlook may be a good fit. But if you depend on advanced customisation, local data files or add-ins, it’s best to stick with Outlook Classic for now.
Free computer support
Contact BC Technologies for free advice and support:
Telephone 0330 800 1010,
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday,
or email cspa@bc-group.co.uk at any time.
Please quote ‘CSPA’ when contacting BC Technologies to assist them in dealing with
your query.
