The cyber threats South Hams homes and small businesses face, in plain words

Invoice and payment fraud

Criminals pretend to be a supplier or a tradesperson and ask for payment to a new bank account. Holiday-let owners and trades are often sent fake invoices that look just like the real thing.

Warning signs: bank details that have changed by email, pressure to pay quickly, or an invoice for work you do not remember. Talk to us about protecting the email accounts involved.

Account takeover

This is when someone else gets into your email, Microsoft 365 or WhatsApp account and uses it as if they were you.

Warning signs: messages you did not send, log-in alerts from places you have not been, or a request for a six-digit code from a contact. If it has happened, call us.

Been hacked? Get help

Scam calls and texts

Callers can fake the number they appear to ring from, so a call can look as though it comes from your bank or the police when it does not. Texts about parcels, refunds and bank alerts work the same way.

Warning signs: pressure to act now, requests to move money or share codes, and callers who will not let you hang up and ring back on a number you trust. Talk to us if you are unsure.

Fake support pop-ups

These are screens that claim your computer is locked or infected and tell you to ring a number. They are made to frighten you into letting a stranger onto your computer.

Scam pop-ups

Ransomware

Ransomware locks your files and demands payment to release them. Small businesses are affected as well as large ones.

Warning signs: files that will not open, a ransom note, or a shared drive that has suddenly stopped working. If that happens, call us straight away.

Ransomware help

Viruses and malware

Unwanted software can slow a computer, show adverts, watch what you type or open the door for something worse.

Warning signs: a sudden slowdown, a changed homepage, programs you did not install, or security software that has been switched off.

Virus and malware removal

Risky WiFi

A router still using its default password, one WiFi network shared between the family, the office and guests, or an open connection in a public place all give others an easier way in.

Holiday lets are a particular case, because guests share the connection with the owner's own devices. Talk to us about how your network is set up.

WiFi boosting and networks

Weak and reused passwords

When one website loses its customers' details, criminals try the same email and password everywhere else.

Warning signs: the same password used in several places, passwords shared by email or on paper, and old accounts nobody remembers. We can help you review where you stand.

Unpatched devices and old systems

Computers, phones and routers that no longer receive updates are easier to attack. Windows 10 has reached the end of its support, and many older routers are in the same position.

Warning signs: devices that nag for updates you have never installed, or equipment more than a few years old that has never been looked at.

Related help

• Cyber securityReviews, email and account protection, and help if something goes wrong.
• Been hacked? Get helpEmail, accounts or a computer that someone else may have reached.
• Scam pop-upsScreens that say your computer is locked or infected, with a number to call.
• Virus and malware removalA slow, strange or infected PC or Mac.
• Ransomware helpFiles locked, or a ransom note on screen.
• Operational resilienceContinuity planning, backups and tested recovery.
• Contact usCall, send a message or book a remote session.