Security Tips

Many of the things which we do in our everyday lives become so routine for us that, quite often, we don’t even think about them. From a security point of view, this can be dangerous. The less aware we are of what we’re doing, the easier it is for security risks to affect us. For example, something as commonplace as leaving the house in the morning becomes so ingrained into your daily routine that it’s easy to forget to lock the door. Here are some everyday tips that you can follow to ensure that small mistakes don’t turn into security dangers:

  1. Install a security alarm. Building more steps into your routine will make it more memorable – for example, setting your alarm will be your reminder to lock the door afterwards. Even if you do forget to lock the door, your premises won’t be left completely without protection.
  2. Stay safe on the internet. Many people now use the world wide web on a daily basis. If this is the case for you, be mindful about your online activities and the risks they could pose. There are a number of scams which you must be careful to avoid. Never give out your bank details by email or over the phone – legitimate companies won’t ask you to, so if somebody calls requesting credit card numbers don’t give anything away.
  3. Use strong passwords, and don’t use the same passwords for everything. They shouldn’t reflect anything personal about you, such as your birthday or telephone number. Never write passwords down or save them to your computer.
  4. Look out for your neighbours. Ensure that elderly people in the area who aren’t particularly mobile have access to good security features, especially if they live in a bungalow or other single storey dwelling. Check that their alarms are working, make sure that their doors and windows are closed at night and glance in to make sure they haven’t left anything valuable in full view of thieves.
  5. Don’t throw anything away which could allow someone to steal your identity. Shred all important paperwork, especially that which has your bank details on. This is the same for receipts – don’t leave them in your general rubbish. Even if they’re ripped up, they could be pieced back together. Shredding is definitely the safest option.
  6. Always ensure that you report anything suspicious to the police. Even if it seems insignificant to you, it might help to protect someone or contribute to investigations for existing cases. Let the professionals decide whether or not what you’ve spotted is relevant.
  7. Take some time to consider your security options and think logically about where you might be able to improve. There will be small steps which everybody can take to improve personal security in their everyday lives. It could be as simple as reminding yourself to lock your windows at night or not leaving items on view in your car.