Stay Safe Online
THE IMPORTANCE OF BACK-UPS
Backing up your data – whether it’s documents – financial information, photographs or emails is of paramount importance.
The purpose of a back-up is to create a copy of data in a different place so files can be recovered in the event of computer failure – which can be caused by hardware or software failure, data corruption, flood or fire or a malicious attack (virus or malware), or accidental deletion of files.
Macs are more secure than PCs making them harder to hack and subject to less virus issues but this also makes them harder to retrieve data from. In most cases we can retrieve data (even when other IT ‘experts’ have failed) but it is much easier to have your data stored elsewhere – so all we have to do is reinstall it. We offer advice on many different back-up options – cloud solutions are usually cheaper and better – give us a ring for more information: 01948 840102
CURRENT SCAMS
More automated telephone scams – people have been receiving automated telephone calls telling them their “National Insurance Number has been compromised” and in order to get a new number they need to press 1 – whereupon they find they have been connected to a criminal who c
an use any personal information provided to commit fraud. NEVER respond to automated calls.
COVID VACCINE SCAMS:
People have been receiving text messages purporting to be from the NHS, offering a sign up for the vaccine. The text message asks you to click on a link which goes to an online form asking for personal and financial details.
In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the NHS and the vaccine is free of charge. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine but:
The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details, your PIN or passwords.
The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
In Shropshire there is a COVID helpline 0345 678 9028
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to . Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge. Find details of other recent scams here www.actionfraud.police.uk and on our Facebook page rainford-it- stay safe online and on our blog on our website. If in doubt – call us – 01948 840102 – advice is free.
We are still getting reports of emails saying domain names have expired – or hosting is running out – if you have all your IT – domain names, website hosting, website and emails with us – it’s just one number to ring – 01948 840102 – for all your IT support.
Published in the February edition of the Whitchurch Gossip
