Configure your computer and mobile devices so that they require a login or passcode when you switch them on and that they lock when left for a certain period.

This will prevent anyone tampering with your devices or impersonating you on social media, if you leave them unattended or they get stolen.

Without a user account and password, an attacker is forced to use much more time-consuming techniques to break into the machine, greatly increasing their risk of being caught.

Change the default password on your router

Keep a note of the new password in a safe place.

Most hackers will use your router to access your wireless home network as they almost know all default passwords of a router. Updating your default router password can help keep your home network safe and improve your device security.

Never just 'click' on a link

Neither in an e-mail or on a website.

But do click on this one to learn how to do so safely.

Always keep your software up to date.

Ensure your software is the latest version and keep an eye open for the latest 'patches' or versions.

Ensure you have:

- Made a note of all software that you use and all licence keys.

- Stored these separately from your computer

- Kept all your data backed up on a write only system

- Checked that you can install all essential software and data onto a new system

- Backed up your digital assets.

Use two factor authentication (2FA) to access your accounts.

Install antivirus software from a reputable source.

Before you install or change anti-malware software you should check the reviews from a number of reputable and independent organisations.

Look at how they rate the free packages as well as the paid for packages.

Install a firewall

A network firewall installed on a router and a personal firewall on the computer itself will stop hackers from getting into your computer.

Back up files

If you do lose data a backup helps you get up and running quickly.

Take care if using 'free wifi'

If your device has sensitive data on it or if you have access to financial sites on there - such as banking apps never use 'free wi-fi'.

Especially on laptops!

With the rise of AI and modern processing power brute force attacks on computers are child's play.

There are many malware laden sites out there.

Be careful!

Enable junk mail screening. Your mail program will then scan incoming email looking for suspicious messages that might be trying to scam you – or are just annoying spam - putting any suspect messages into a junk mail folder where you can examine them later, just in case any genuine messages were misfiled.

There are many people out there trawling for your information so they can sell it on to hackers and fraudsters.

Keep your information private - especially information relating to words you may use as part of passwords or as an answer to security questions.