In an increasingly digital world, understanding the dangers that lurk in the shadows of the online realm has become crucial. Today we’ll guide you through the fundamentals of understanding online threats, password security, internet browsing safety, protecting personal information, safeguarding devices, and cybersecurity best practices.
The Internet is a bustling metropolis, but just like any city, it has its share of threats. Recognising these dangers is the first step in securing your digital existence. Four of the most common threats are:
Malware, short for malicious software, refers to various types of harmful software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system.It is harmful software that infiltrates your system without your consent, disrupting functionality, stealing sensitive information, or gaining access to private computer systems. This includes
Viruses, which can replicate themselves and spread to other devices;
Worms, which exploit vulnerabilities to infect systems;
Trojans, which pose as legitimate software to trick users into installing them; ransomware, which encrypts files and demands a ransom for their release;
Spyware, which covertly gathers information about a user or organisation without their knowledge.
Malware can be spread in numerous ways, including through malicious websites, email attachments, and infected software downloads. Its impacts can range from annoying pop-up ads to serious theft of sensitive data, damage to files, and complete system failure.
Phishing scams involve fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive data like usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity. Phishing typically occurs via email, where users are directed to a fake website and tricked into entering personal information.
Identity theft happens when someone obtains and uses your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. It can lead to financial loss and significant time and stress to rectify.
Finally, cyberbullying is the use of digital communication tools to intimidate, harass, or threaten others. It’s a prevalent issue for young people, with devastating emotional consequences.
Passwords act as your first line of defence in the online world. Having strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts is essential.
A secure password is typically at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid obvious choices, like names, birthdays, or common words. Remember, each account should have a unique password to limit the damage if one account is compromised.
To help manage multiple complex passwords, consider using a password manager, such as 1password. Password management software provides a secure tool that stores all your passwords.
More importantly, never share your passwords with others, even close friends or family.
The art of safe internet browsing involves avoiding dangerous websites, employing ad-blockers, and understanding the potential risks of social media.
Many browsers have safety features that alert you to potentially harmful websites. Regularly updating your browser ensures that you have the most up-to-date security features. Ad-blockers can prevent malicious ads, which can sometimes contain malware, from appearing on your screen.
Social media is a double-edged sword. While it allows us to stay connected, it can also expose us to risks. Always be cautious about the information you share, and ensure your accounts have robust privacy settings.
Taking steps to protect your personal information online is crucial to prevent identity theft and safeguard your privacy.
Avoid sharing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks, as they may not be secure, and your data could be accessible to cybercriminals.
Adjust your social media privacy settings to limit what others can see about you. Be careful about the amount of personal information you share online, as every piece of information can potentially be used by identity thieves.
Protecting your devices from online threats is an integral part of internet safety. Keeping your operating system and software updated ensures that you have the latest security patches. Reliable antivirus software can protect your device from a myriad of threats, including malware, ransomware, and spyware.
Avoid downloading files or applications from unknown sources as they could potentially carry harmful malware.
Finally, let’s discuss some general cybersecurity best practices.
Always be wary of suspicious emails and messages, especially those asking for personal information or urging you to click on a link. These could be phishing attempts.
Avoid clicking on unknown links, as they can lead to malicious websites or download malware onto your device/computer. If you receive an email, from a supposed respected source, that seems to good to be true, unexpected or just plain suspicious, contact the organisation who sent it, separately and directly – never respond to/interact with the message/email you’ve received.
Regularly backing up important data is a good practice. In case your device gets compromised, a backup ensures you don’t lose precious information. Using cloud services or external drives are common methods of backing up data.
Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts provides an extra layer of security. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires two types of identification for you to access an account or system.
Typically, the first layer is something you know, such as a password or pin number. The second layer is something you have or something inherent to you. This could be a text message sent to your mobile phone (something you have), a fingerprint scan (something inherent to you), or even a facial recognition process.
By requiring two separate and distinct forms of identification, 2FA significantly increases the difficulty for unauthorised users to gain access to your accounts or devices, even if they’ve obtained your password, providing an added layer of protection against online threats.
When using social media, avoid accepting friend or follow requests from unknown people. Cybercriminals often create fake profiles to gain access to your information.
Moreover, make sure you log out of your accounts when using public computers, and regularly check your financial and digital accounts for any irregularities or suspicious activity.
In this digital age, protecting yourself online is no longer optional – it’s a necessity.
Understanding the threats, implementing robust password security, exercising caution while browsing, protecting personal information, safeguarding your devices, and adhering to cybersecurity best practices are all key components of staying safe in the online realm.
Online safety is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Cyber threats continue to evolve, so your protection methods must evolve too. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and you’ll vastly increase your chances of keeping your digital life secure.
Remember, the best defence is a strong offence. Protecting your digital self might seem daunting, but with a good plan, the right knowledge and tools, you can navigate the online world with confidence and ease.
In these uncertain times, dramatic increases in the cost of living can be overwhelming, but with the right mindset, you can take control of your finances. In this article we look at useful information on budgeting, reducing expenses, and managing debt.
Budgeting and financial planning are key components of saving money during the cost-of-living crisis. One of the most effective ways to get a handle on your finances is to create a budget. This means taking a look at your income and expenses, and figuring out where you can cut back.
Start by listing all of your income sources, such as your salary, any benefits you receive, and any other money that comes into your household. Then, make a list of all of your expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, food, transportation, and any other regular expenses.
Once you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, you can start to make changes. Look for areas where you can reduce your spending, such as by cutting back on unnecessary subscriptions or memberships, or by finding cheaper alternatives for regular purchases like groceries.
Another important aspect of financial planning is setting goals. Whilst putting a little aside each month can be difficult, actively focusing on saving for a rainy day, paying off debt, or saving for a big purchase can help you stay motivated and focused on your budget.
Shop around for better deals: When it comes to big-ticket items like appliances or electronics, don’t just settle for the first price you see. Shop around and compare prices from different retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Cut back on eating out: Eating out can be a major expense, especially if you do it often. Try to cook more meals at home, and bring your lunch to work or school instead of buying it. You’ll save money and probably eat healthier too.
Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs: This can help you save on your energy bills over time. Not only are they more energy efficient, but they also tend to last longer.
Take advantage of free or low-cost entertainment options: Instead of spending a lot of money on movies or concerts, look for free or low-cost entertainment options in your community such as local parks, libraries, or community centres.
Be mindful of subscriptions and memberships: It’s easy to lose track of all the subscriptions and memberships we have. Take a look at all of your recurring expenses and cancel anything that you’re not using or don’t need.
Negotiating bills and reducing recurring costs is a great way to save money on your household expenses. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Don’t be afraid to haggle: When it comes to bills, remember that you’re not stuck with the prices that are quoted to you. Call up your service providers and ask if there are any discounts or promotions that you can take advantage of. You’ll be surprised how often you can get a better deal just by asking.
Bundle your services: If you use multiple services from the same provider, see if you can bundle them together for a discounted rate. For example, if you have internet, premium television and home phone with the same company, ask if they can give you a package deal.
Review your bills regularly: Take a look at your bills every month and see if there are any charges that you don’t recognise. If you find any, call the service provider and ask them to explain it. Sometimes, they will be able to give you a refund or credit for any mistakes.
Consider switching providers: If you’re not happy with the service or the prices you’re currently paying, consider switching to a new provider. Do your research and compare the prices and services of different companies to find the best deal.
Automate your bill payments: This can help you avoid late fees and penalties. Set up automatic payments so you don’t have to worry about remembering to pay your bills on time.
Remember, don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask for discounts, it’s always worth a try.
Managing debt and improving credit are important steps in achieving financial stability. One of the most effective ways to manage debt is to create a budget (we’ve highlighted some great hints and tips on how you can achieve this earlier), and more importantly, stick to it. This means taking a close look at your income and expenses and figuring out where you can cut back. By reducing your expenses, you’ll be able to put more money towards paying off your debt.
When it comes to paying off your debts, it’s important to prioritise which ones to pay off first. Start by paying off the debts with the highest interest rates first, as they will be the most expensive in the long run. If you’re not sure which to prioritise, give each lender a ring, or drop them an email and ask them what exactly you are paying what are the interest rates and where the money is being allocated. Add these to a list so you can keep track of what goes where.
If you have multiple debts with different interest rates, consider consolidating them into one loan with a lower interest rate. Doing this can make it easier to manage your debt and save you money in the long run. However, it’s important to ensure that this strategy works for you and your specific financial situation, and consider the pros and more importantly the cons before consolidating your debt.
Trouble managing your debt? You’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. There are organisations that can help you with debt management and credit counselling, we’ve listed 3 below that you may find useful, and they can help you create a plan to manage and reduce your debt and improve your credit score.
These organisations can provide free and confidential advice as well as a variety of resources and tools to help you manage your debt and improve your credit. They can help you with budgeting, negotiating with creditors, and creating a plan to get out of debt. Whichever you decide to approach, it’s worthwhile doing your own research and evaluate whether that organisation best fits your needs.
With fuel prices at a record high, finding alternatives to using/owning a car can be a great way to save on your travel costs and stretch your budget to make your money go further.
When looking to travel in the near future, one the best ways to save money is to plan ahead. Book your trains, buses or coaches in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts, and try to avoid peak travel times when prices tend to be higher.
Another way to save money on travel is to compare prices. Before you book anything, compare prices from different train, bus or coach companies. Websites such as The Trainline and Megabus are a great way to compare prices, and check for deals and discounts.
If you’re planning on taking multiple train journeys, consider getting a railcard. These cards can give you up to a third off most train fares, and they’re available for a variety of groups such as students, seniors, and families.
What if you don’t qualify for a railcard? Look to split your journeys to make savings on ticket prices. Websites such as the Trainline can suggest split fares and show you the savings you can make by buying split tickets.
Instead of taking the train, why not consider taking a bus or coach, especially for shorter journeys. Companies such as National Express offer low-cost options, and you can save even more by booking in advance.
If your destination is nearby, consider walking or if you have a bike that’s been locked away in a shed or garage, why not cycle?. It’s a great way to see the sights and get some exercise, whilst saving money too!
By doing your research and choosing alternative methods of transport , you can save money on your travel and have more money to spend elsewhere. Remember, a little bit of planning and research can go a long way when it comes to saving on travel costs.
The cost of living crisis has been making headlines and affecting households around the globe. With prices for essential goods increasing faster than household incomes, it has become increasingly difficult for many people to make ends meet.
In this post, we aim to provide you with strategies and tips for cutting your grocery bill during this difficult time.
Our goal is to help you make the most of your grocery budget. With the right approach, it is possible to reduce your bill and make your money go further.
Meal planning can be a great way to save money on groceries. By planning meals in advance, you can ensure that you have all the ingredients you need on hand, which reduces the need for last-minute trips to the store.
Start by making a list of meals: Think about what meals you and your family enjoy, and make a list of meals that you can rotate throughout the week.
Make a schedule: Decide what days of the week you will be eating at home and plan your meals accordingly.
Plan for leftovers: Incorporate leftovers into your meal plan for the week. For example, if you are cooking a roast chicken on Monday, you can use the leftovers for a chicken salad or soup on Tuesday.
Another tip is to be flexible when it comes to meal planning, plan meals that can be easily adapted or used in different ways to avoid getting bored and make the most of the ingredients you have.
But don’t worry if you’re stuck for ideas, there are some great cookbooks you could try… here are four to look up.
Creating a shopping list before heading to the store is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay on budget. Having a list of the items you need helps to ensure that you only purchase what you need and reduces the chance of impulse buying.
A list means you can plan which ingredients go together so you can buy what you need to make each meal and avoid unused vegetables going out of date at the bottom of your fridge.
It also makes sure you get everything you need for your meal plan so you can reduce unnecessary trips to the local store during the week.
Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries, especially for non-perishable items such as rice, pasta, cereal, and other pantry staples. Buying in bulk allows you to take advantage of discounts, which can help you save money in the long run.
A good strategy is to compare prices of the items you want to buy in bulk, between different stores. This way you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Supermarket price comparison websites like Trolly and Priceable allow you to compare prices of 1000s of products from the UK’s top supermarkets.
One way to save money on groceries is to buy seasonal produce. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often cheaper and taste better than those that are out of season.
Additionally, buying seasonal produce helps to support local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transportation.
When buying seasonal produce, you can check for information about the seasonal calendar for fruits and vegetables, available online or at the local market. The British Dietetic Association have created this handy list which shows which fruit and vegetables are in season in UK.
Another way to save money on groceries is to buy generic brands. Generic brands are often just as good as their more expensive counterparts and can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
When shopping for generic brands, it’s a good idea to compare the prices and the ingredients of the products. Sometimes, the difference in price can be insignificant and the ingredients might be the same. It’s also a good idea to read reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations for good generic brands.
Discount stores can be a great resource for saving money on groceries. These stores often offer a wide variety of products at lower prices than traditional retailers. Shopping at discount stores can also help you save money on non-grocery items such as household goods and clothing.
As with other items you buy, it’s important to be mindful of the expiration dates on products and check the products’ quality before purchasing them.
Vouchers and rewards programs can be a great way to save money on your supermarket shop. Many stores offer discounts and other savings opportunities for customers, here are a few from the UK’s largest supermarkets:
Tesco Clubcard: Tesco’s Clubcard program provides customers with access to exclusive deals on groceries and over 100 Reward Partners.
Sainsbury’s Nectar: Sainsbury’s Nectar program rewards customers with points for every pound they spend in-store or online. These points can be spent in-store or online.
My Morrisons: My Morrisons program rewards customers with personalised offers on the things they buy the most.
When using rewards programs, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully and to make sure that the offer is still valid before using it.
Impulse purchases can be a major budget-buster, especially when it comes to groceries.
We’ve already talked about the importance of having a list. Another tip is to leave your credit cards at home and to only bring the cash you need to make your purchases, this way you will be more mindful of the spending and avoid impulse purchases.
It is also helpful to wait a moment and think before purchasing an item, asking yourself if you really need the item and if it is worth the money you will spend on it.
Living during a cost-of-living crisis can be tough, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. However, by following the strategies outlined in this post, you can save money on your grocery bill and make your budget stretch further.
It’s important to remember that saving money on groceries takes time and practice, but it’s worth it in the long run. Try incorporating these tips into your grocery shopping routine, and see how much you can save.
Gambling is a massive part of modern culture and it exists in many different forms. These days, it’s easier than ever for someone to start gambling with their money. From online casinos to sports betting websites, you can find just about anything to tickle your fancy. Indeed, many people gamble for the enjoyment and excitement it brings. But, when you don’t understand how to gamble responsible, big problems are on the horizon.
Consequently, we have put together a guide to help you understand the right and wrong ways to gamble. We urge you to read through all the points as you may spot some warning signs that you or someone you know has a gambling addiction and needs help.
Your mindset and your approach to gambling are extremely important if you want to be responsible. Under no circumstances should you ever look to gamble as a way of making money. The very nature of gambling means you will lose more than you win. Even people that win big sometimes will most likely have a net loss over time. It isn’t a viable way of earning money, so don’t think that you can take it up as a part-time job or get-rich-quick scheme.
Instead, you need to be in the mindset that gambling is for fun. You do it for the excitement, not for the money. Winning money is a bonus, but it’s not your main focus. View gambling in the same way that you’d view going to the cinema or watching your football team play.
If you are going to look at gambling as something you do for entertainment, you need to approach it in the same way you’d approach everything else. Would you go to the cinema every single day and spend over £10 a day on tickets, popcorn, etc? No, because it’s way too costly and you’d spend too much money.
The same needs to be thought about when gambling. Set yourself a budget before you gamble. This is the amount of money you are prepared to spend. Always be sure that you can afford to spend it beforehand – never gamble if you’re in debt or have bills coming up to pay. Use your spare money that’s left over after all the important things have been paid for, but make sure you have a limit that you’ll stop at.
Putting a bet on at the weekend is a fun way for many people to gamble. It’s something to do with friends as you place small bets on big accumulators to see if you get lucky. It also adds more entertainment to the sporting events you’re watching. Similarly, going to the casino once in a while is another way to have fun with friends.
The problem is when you start gambling all the time. You shouldn’t be placing bets or going to casinos every single day. This shows you are starting to develop a dependency on gambling, which is never a good thing. We keep using the cinema analogy, and that’s because it is such a good comparison. You might go to the cinema once or twice a month, possibly even less. A similar approach should be taken when gambling – the more you do it, the less responsible you become.
This advice goes hand in hand with the previous point. Sometimes, you find yourself gambling more frequently because it’s your only source of entertainment or fun. If this is the case, try to find other ways of having fun. Take up a hobby, go out and meet new people, call your family up and arrange to do something.
Realistically, there are loads of things you can do to fill the void and feel entertained without gambling your money. Once you try doing other things, you find it easier and easier to take a step back from gambling.
Chasing your losses refers to when you keep gambling to try and make back what you lost. Let’s say you set yourself a limit of £50 to gamble in the casino or on some sporting event. You lost that money, but the voice inside your head tells you that all you need is one win to gain it back and break even. So, you take out more money, place more bets and cross your fingers.
It’s never wise to chase your losses as it normally means you lose more money than you initially lost. That £50 loss might turn into a £100 loss very quickly. The worst part is, you could lose £100, then win a bet that brings you back to a £50 loss. Now, you’re fuelled by the adrenaline of winning and think that luck is back on your side. So, you keep placing bets and end up losing even more money.
If you lose your betting limit, don’t try to win it back. Just accept the money is lost, stop gambling and maybe take a long break before you gamble again.
Never gamble when drunk, stressed, depressed or emotionally upset. Only ever gamble if you have a clear head and can think straight. It’s highly irresponsible to gamble when you’re not in the right frame of mind.
Have you been reading through this post and started to worry deeply about yourself or someone you know? Perhaps you’ve only just realised that you/they are doing irresponsible things when gambling. If this is the case, you need to stop gambling right away and seek help before you lose more money and end up in a terrible financial situation. Gambling can cause insurmountable debts that lead to bankruptcy – don’t let it get to this.
Here are some useful links to sites that will help you or anyone else with a gambling problem:
The national debt line – a good site for help getting out of debt
Stepchange – provides expert financial advice for those struggling
Gamcare – a really good place to go for specific gambling help if you think you have a problem
Unemployment or redundancy, injury or ill-health, and relationship breakdown are the three most reported reasons for personal debt in the UK.
Whether it’s a low income, an unexpected bill, or a change in circumstances that trigger your financial problems – like quicksand – it’s far easier to get into debt than work your way out of it.
Living with debt is emotionally difficult. Solutions are often long term rather than instant fixes. The uncertainty of the situation can take its toll on your mental health, turning deep-seated anxieties into a genuine, unpleasant, and overwhelming reality.
Your first step towards a debt-free future is recognising there’s a problem, and facing it head-on. Read on for our top tips for dealing with debt and further information about where to access help and support.
The best way to combat anxiety is through action.
The best advice anyone can give you. When fear and overwhelm kick in, it’s tempting to hide from the problem and sweep financial difficulties under the proverbial carpet. However, this approach increases the feelings of helplessness, and you’ll accumulate more debt as it doesn’t address the problem.
Your first step to regaining control of your finances is sitting down and working out the scale of the problem. Work out whom you owe money to and what for. Then categorise your debts into two categories: priority and non-priority debts.
Debts to include in this category include your mortgage, rent, council tax, and energy bills. They are categorised as priority debts because if left unpaid, the consequences are severe. They can affect your life and liberty.
For example, defaulting on your mortgage or rent can result in the loss of your home. Unpaid council tax can result in a county court judgment against you and bailiffs attending your home. Unpaid energy bills can result in disconnection (as a last resort).
When negotiating repayment plans (see below), prioritise these debts above all others.
All other debts, things like mobile phone contracts and credit cards.
Once you’ve worked out how much you owe and to whom, the next step is to work out your income and outgoings. What money do you have coming in, what’s going out every month, and how much, if any, is leftover?
MoneyHelper’s free budget planning tool is excellent to help you with this, as it prompts you to think of additional costs you might not consider.
Completing a budget in this way helps you identify what repayment options you have. If you’re in deficit (there’s more money going out than coming in), you’ll know you need to look at ways of increasing your income. In contrast, if you have income available, you’ll see what you can offer your creditors in the form of a repayment plan.
A great place to start is the Turn2Us Benefits Calculator using the details you’ve already gathered above to see what benefits your household might be eligible to claim. An alternative option is contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureaux for advice about your benefit entitlement.
If your research shows that you’re not entitled to any support, you may consider borrowing money to repay your debts short term and repay the loan over an extended period. Additional borrowing isn’t advised and should only ever be a last resort. Always ensure that any lender is Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registered if you decide to borrow.
Once you’ve assessed the scale of the problem, mapped your income and outgoings, and determined if you’re eligible for financial support, the next step is to talk to your creditors.
Do this as soon as possible.
The earlier you can talk to your creditors to inform them about what’s happened, the better. Creditors are very understanding in situations like this and do their best to help you. There may be repayment options available to you that you’re not even aware of, so it pays to talk to them early before arrears build up to unmanageable levels.
Your mortgage company can offer a payment holiday of up to six months, where you pause making payments while you get back on your feet. Your local authority can support you to reduce your council tax repayments by spreading them across 12 months instead of 10, and so on. There’s also the Breathing Space debt respite scheme while you get your debt solution in place.
Keeping your creditors informed about your situation and what you’re doing to resolve the situation keeps them on your side. Ignoring the problem has the opposite effect.
Financial difficulty is an unfortunate fact of life at some point in everyone’s life and sometimes it’s unavoidable. Seeking support is nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Financial difficulty and mental health problems go hand in hand, so take care of yourself during this difficult time. If you’re experiencing a low mood or anxiety due to your debts, make sure you talk to someone you trust and contact your GP.
Here are some useful sources of further advice to help you on your way to a debt-free future:
MoneyHelper offers free and impartial help with debt.
Citizens Advice help you find a way forward, whatever the problem.
StepChange: offer expert debt advice and fee-free debt management.