![\"\"](\"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blog-image-1-Back-up-your-device-300x225.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBack up your device<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOne of the most challenging parts of being hacked or scammed is the possibility of losing access to all of your data. If someone gets hold of your phone, laptop, or other devices, you could lose all of your files, photos, and information. So be sure to back up your devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You could do this with Cloud software such as OneDrive, Google Drive or iCloud<\/a>, or with an external hard drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blog-image-2-Delete-spam-emails-300x187.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDelete spam emails immediately <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSpam emails are a daily occurrence for most of us. But you should never do anything more than mark them as spam<\/strong> and delete them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt can be tempting to click on their \u2018unsubscribe\u2019 buttons, or even reply to ask to be removed from their email list. However, all these actions do will show them your email is active, and encourage them to send more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blog-image-3-Strengthen-your-password-300x169.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStrengthen your password <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAre you using the same password for all of your various accounts? If a scammer gains access to one account, they will therefore gain access to all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In particular, you should take care to secure your email with a strong password. Change it regularly and keep it difficult to guess. This is because if someone breaks into your email account, they can usually reset your passwords for every other service that uses that address. Therefore this is the one to pay particular attention to. Strengthen your passwords by keeping them difficult by using a mix of upper and lower case and symbols. You can also change them regularly, and ensure they are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have trouble keeping on top of them all, you can use a Password Manager tool such as 1Password<\/a> to secure all of your passwords in one place. There are more security benefits that a Password Manager could do. Watch our video<\/a> and discover why you need one. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/blog-image-4-phishing-and-scams-300x232.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe cautious about phishing and scams <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe first rule of thumb online is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Whether it\u2019s an amazing deal on a valuable product or a free trial that would usually cost a lot more, it\u2019s better to be cautious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Always check the website for signs of illegitimacy, such as poor wording and typos, a lack of information, missing returns\/refunds policies, and online reviews.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Additionally, remember that your providers \u2013 such as banks or phone companies \u2013 would never call you asking for your log in information or passwords. They also usually avoid asking you to log in directly from their emails. If in doubt, go directly to their website to log on or give them a call directly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/strong> It also pays to be very wary of \u2018fun\u2019 social media games. A common post on Facebook will ask you to share your \u2018stripper name\u2019. It says that it\u2019s your grandmother’s first name plus the first street you lived on. Therefore by sharing your \u2018stripper name\u2019, you are giving away the answers to common security questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFollow our social media<\/a> to stay informed with the latest scams!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/blog-image-5-2FA-300x188.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse two-factor authentication (2FA)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTwo-factor authentication adds a few seconds to your log-in process, and a massive amount of security to your online activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This process simply requires two steps to log in. For example, you could enter your password, then the system sends you an additional code to your phone or email. Or perhaps you use a password, then the system asks for the answer to a question only you would know. This means that even if a scammer does get hold of your password, there\u2019s still another barrier for entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/geeksonwheels.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/blog-image-6-free-wifi-300x198.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNever use free Wi-Fi for sensitive work <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPlaces such as airports and caf\u00e9s often provide free Wi-Fi. Yet you should only use those free Wi-Fi networks for basic browsing. That means no logging into your bank or email on a free network (but playing Wordle is totally fine!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get help from the experts <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe can\u2019t all be Geeks, which is why our Geeks are on hand to help the less \u2018geeky\u2019. Our Geek+ program<\/a> is an annual subscription that offers you IT support all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s available for individuals, couples, and families. It also includes a free health and security check, unlimited* help for all your IT questions, and a 20% discount on home visits. You can use this service to get set up with all the right cyber security precautions, learn more about what you can do to stay safe online, and stay up to date with the latest best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDelete spam emails immediately <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSpam emails are a daily occurrence for most of us. But you should never do anything more than mark them as spam<\/strong> and delete them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt can be tempting to click on their \u2018unsubscribe\u2019 buttons, or even reply to ask to be removed from their email list. However, all these actions do will show them your email is active, and encourage them to send more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStrengthen your password <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAre you using the same password for all of your various accounts? If a scammer gains access to one account, they will therefore gain access to all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In particular, you should take care to secure your email with a strong password. Change it regularly and keep it difficult to guess. This is because if someone breaks into your email account, they can usually reset your passwords for every other service that uses that address. Therefore this is the one to pay particular attention to. Strengthen your passwords by keeping them difficult by using a mix of upper and lower case and symbols. You can also change them regularly, and ensure they are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have trouble keeping on top of them all, you can use a Password Manager tool such as 1Password<\/a> to secure all of your passwords in one place. There are more security benefits that a Password Manager could do. Watch our video<\/a> and discover why you need one. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe cautious about phishing and scams <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe first rule of thumb online is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Whether it\u2019s an amazing deal on a valuable product or a free trial that would usually cost a lot more, it\u2019s better to be cautious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Always check the website for signs of illegitimacy, such as poor wording and typos, a lack of information, missing returns\/refunds policies, and online reviews.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Additionally, remember that your providers \u2013 such as banks or phone companies \u2013 would never call you asking for your log in information or passwords. They also usually avoid asking you to log in directly from their emails. If in doubt, go directly to their website to log on or give them a call directly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Pro tip:<\/strong> It also pays to be very wary of \u2018fun\u2019 social media games. A common post on Facebook will ask you to share your \u2018stripper name\u2019. It says that it\u2019s your grandmother’s first name plus the first street you lived on. Therefore by sharing your \u2018stripper name\u2019, you are giving away the answers to common security questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFollow our social media<\/a> to stay informed with the latest scams!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse two-factor authentication (2FA)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTwo-factor authentication adds a few seconds to your log-in process, and a massive amount of security to your online activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This process simply requires two steps to log in. For example, you could enter your password, then the system sends you an additional code to your phone or email. Or perhaps you use a password, then the system asks for the answer to a question only you would know. This means that even if a scammer does get hold of your password, there\u2019s still another barrier for entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNever use free Wi-Fi for sensitive work <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nPlaces such as airports and caf\u00e9s often provide free Wi-Fi. Yet you should only use those free Wi-Fi networks for basic browsing. That means no logging into your bank or email on a free network (but playing Wordle is totally fine!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get help from the experts <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe can\u2019t all be Geeks, which is why our Geeks are on hand to help the less \u2018geeky\u2019. Our Geek+ program<\/a> is an annual subscription that offers you IT support all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s available for individuals, couples, and families. It also includes a free health and security check, unlimited* help for all your IT questions, and a 20% discount on home visits. You can use this service to get set up with all the right cyber security precautions, learn more about what you can do to stay safe online, and stay up to date with the latest best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be tempting to click on their \u2018unsubscribe\u2019 buttons, or even reply to ask to be removed from their email list. However, all these actions do will show them your email is active, and encourage them to send more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you using the same password for all of your various accounts? If a scammer gains access to one account, they will therefore gain access to all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In particular, you should take care to secure your email with a strong password. Change it regularly and keep it difficult to guess. This is because if someone breaks into your email account, they can usually reset your passwords for every other service that uses that address. Therefore this is the one to pay particular attention to. Strengthen your passwords by keeping them difficult by using a mix of upper and lower case and symbols. You can also change them regularly, and ensure they are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have trouble keeping on top of them all, you can use a Password Manager tool such as 1Password<\/a> to secure all of your passwords in one place. There are more security benefits that a Password Manager could do. Watch our video<\/a> and discover why you need one. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The first rule of thumb online is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Whether it\u2019s an amazing deal on a valuable product or a free trial that would usually cost a lot more, it\u2019s better to be cautious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> It also pays to be very wary of \u2018fun\u2019 social media games. A common post on Facebook will ask you to share your \u2018stripper name\u2019. It says that it\u2019s your grandmother’s first name plus the first street you lived on. Therefore by sharing your \u2018stripper name\u2019, you are giving away the answers to common security questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow our social media<\/a> to stay informed with the latest scams!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two-factor authentication adds a few seconds to your log-in process, and a massive amount of security to your online activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This process simply requires two steps to log in. For example, you could enter your password, then the system sends you an additional code to your phone or email. Or perhaps you use a password, then the system asks for the answer to a question only you would know. This means that even if a scammer does get hold of your password, there\u2019s still another barrier for entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Places such as airports and caf\u00e9s often provide free Wi-Fi. Yet you should only use those free Wi-Fi networks for basic browsing. That means no logging into your bank or email on a free network (but playing Wordle is totally fine!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n We can\u2019t all be Geeks, which is why our Geeks are on hand to help the less \u2018geeky\u2019. Our Geek+ program<\/a> is an annual subscription that offers you IT support all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s available for individuals, couples, and families. It also includes a free health and security check, unlimited* help for all your IT questions, and a 20% discount on home visits. You can use this service to get set up with all the right cyber security precautions, learn more about what you can do to stay safe online, and stay up to date with the latest best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStrengthen your password <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBe cautious about phishing and scams <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUse two-factor authentication (2FA)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNever use free Wi-Fi for sensitive work <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get help from the experts <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n