As the country continues to rely more on technology while staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives a national campaign from the NCSC has been launched offering advice about protecting passwords, accounts and devices with the aim to help individuals and organisations to protect themselves online.
It urges people to protect their data passwords, the accounts they protect and the devices they use to access them.
With many people in the UK trying video conferencing for the first time, the advice includes top tips on securely installing the app, creating a strong password and tracking who is joining the chat.
They also recommend that you do not make meetings public, connect only to people through your contacts or address book – and to never post the link or password publicly.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe online amidst this new wave of COVID-19 scams.
Create a separate password for your email
Create a strong password using three random words
Save your passwords in your browser
Turn on two-factor authentication
Update your devices
Turn on backup
Advice for individuals using video conferencing
1. Setting up your account
Installing the software. When first installing a video app or required software ensure you are downloading the software from a trusted source such as your phones app store or the manufacturers website. Don’t click on links sent to you from random individuals or on unusual websites, as these could take you to fake versions of the video app.
Create a strong password that is different to all your other passwords. Weak passwords can be hacked in seconds. The longer it is, the stronger it becomes and the harder to hack. Make yours strong by using a sequence of three words (add link to 3RW guidance). If available also use two factor authentication. This is a free security feature that gives you an extra layer of protection and stops cyber criminals getting into your accounts – even if they have your password. It reduces the risk by asking you to provide a second factor, such as getting a text or code when you log in, to check you are who you say you are.
Understand what you are paying for. In the majority of cases the 'free' version of a service, correctly configured provides adequate security for personal use. Paid versions may offer extra features and usability features that you could consider if you feel your needs and situations justify it.
2. Arranging a chat
Do not make meetings public. Connect directly via your contacts/address book, or provide a link privately to specific people. If the feature is available, make use of passwords to add another layer of protection. Do not post the link or password publicly.
Know who is joining your chat. If you are organising the chat for your family or friends consider using the lobby feature to ensure you know who has arrived. This is especially useful if individuals are joining the meeting via an unrecognised phone number. Verify participants identity when they join the meeting.
Understand what other features are available as a host. Many services offer features to record the meeting, share files, or show what is on somebodies screen. There may also be additional controls to manage who can be in the chat. If you don't need these features considering setting to 'host only'.
3. Protecting Yourself
Try the service before your first chat. Most services have a ‘test’ function to ensure your microphone and camera work correctly – use this function to familiarise yourself with the service. Understand how to mute your microphone and turn off the camera. This will give you more control over what you share with others.
Update your devices. Cyber criminals exploit weaknesses in software and apps to access your sensitive personal data, but manufacturers are continually working to keep you secure by releasing regular updates. Using the latest software, apps and operating system on your devices can fix bugs, add new features and immediately improve your security.
Consider your surroundings. What else does the camera show when you are chatting with others, and would you want to share that information with strangers? Consider obscuring/blurring your background or using a background image.
If you’ve recently set up a new account on a video calling app or haven't looked at your security settings for a while on an existing account, you should take some time to make sure you're using these services as securely as possible.
You can find out more at www.ncsc.gov.uk/CyberAware