A Step-by-Step Checklist for Glasgow Households, Job Seekers, and Communities

Welcome to Your Digital Safety Guide!

At **Won Connect CIC**, we believe that everyone in Glasgow from Govan to the East End deserves to feel safe, confident, and connected when using the internet.

The digital world offers wonderful ways to stay in touch with family, find rewarding local jobs, manage your housing association tenancy, and save money. However, just like locking your front door at night, it is important to know how to keep your personal information secure.

This checklist is designed to be your friendly companion. There is no complicated computer jargon here—just simple, practical steps to help you protect your hard-earned money and build your digital confidence.

Jargon Buster: Simple Definition

Before we begin, let us explain a few terms you might hear. Think of these as your new digital tools:

* **The Browser:** This is the application or “window” you open on your computer, tablet, or smartphone to look at websites. Common examples are Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Think of it as your digital doorway to the high street.

* **Two-Factor Authentication (Double-Lock Security):** Imagine your front door has a standard lock, but also a secondary security chain that requires a temporary code sent to your mobile phone. That is what this is. It means even if someone guesses your password, they still cannot get into your account without that second code.

* **The Cloud:** Instead of saving your photos, letters, or job applications directly onto your computer’s hard drive (where they could be lost if the machine breaks), “The Cloud” means saving them securely on a giant, protected computer system run by trusted companies over the internet. It is like a digital safety deposit box.

Part 1: Setting Up Your Digital Safe Haven

*Before you go online, let us make sure your device is secure.*

**Set up a strong password or passcode**
* *Why:* This is your first line of defence.
* *How:* Avoid easily guessed details like your birthday or your pet’s name. Instead, try joining three random, memorable words together (for example: `Tea1cup@CastleGlas=gow`).

**Turn on “Double-Lock Security” (Two-Factor Authentication)*
* *Why:* It stops strangers from accessing your email, social media, or banking apps.
* *How:* Go to the “Settings” menu on your favourite apps (like Facebook or your email) and look for “Security”. Turn on the option that sends a text code to your mobile phone whenever you log in.

**Keep your software up to date**
* *Why:* Technology companies constantly update their programmes to fix security loopholes.
* *How:* If your phone, tablet, or computer asks you to “Install Update”, say yes. Think of it as getting a free lock upgrade for your digital home.

**Protect your home internet connection (Wi-Fi)**
* *Why:* To stop neighbours or passers-by from using your connection or seeing what you are doing online.
* *How:* Ensure your home internet router has a password that only you and your trusted family members know.

Part 2: Spotting the Red Flags (The “Stop, Challenge, Protect” Method)

*Scammers try to rush you. Use this checklist to pause and assess.*

**Be suspicious of unexpected urgency**

*The Red Flag:* Any message, email, or phone call that says you must act *immediately* (e.g., “Your bank account will be closed in 2 hours!” or “Pay your rent arrears now or face eviction!”).
* *Your Action:* Real organisations (like your local Glasgow housing association or your bank) will never rush or threaten you. Take a deep breath and put the phone down.

**Double-check the sender’s details**
* *The Red Flag:* An email that looks like it is from your bank, but the sender’s address looks strange or messy (e.g., `service@bank-security-uk-123.com` instead of `service@bank.co.uk`).
* *Your Action:* Do not click any links. Close your browser, find the official phone number on a paper statement, and call them directly.

**Guard your personal details on job search websites**
* *The Red Flag:* A job offer that seems too good to be true, or an employer asking you to pay for training or “background checks” before you start.
* *Your Action:* Never pay money to get a job. Real employers in Scotland will never ask you to transfer money to secure an interview or a position.

**Look for the padlock symbol**
* *The Red Flag:* A website asking for your payment details that does not have a small padlock icon next to the website address at the top of your browser.
* *Your Action:* If there is no padlock, or if your browser warns you that the site is “Not Secure”, leave the website immediately.

Part 3: Daily Habits for Worry-Free Browsing

*Simple routines to keep you safe while enjoying the internet.*

**Never share your passwords with anyone**
* *Remember:* Your bank, the police, and staff at Won Connect will *never* ask you for your passwords or PIN numbers. If someone asks, they are trying to trick you.

**Use search engines safely**
* *Remember:* When searching for services online (like a local plumber or a helpline), the top results on Google are often paid advertisements. Look carefully for the word “Ad” next to the link. Scroll down slightly to find the official, trusted website.

**Be cautious on social media**
* *Remember:* It is wonderful to connect with old friends on Facebook, but be careful not to share posts that ask for your first school, your mother’s maiden name, or your first pet. These are often common security questions used to access bank accounts.

**Keep your job search safe**
* *Remember:* When uploading your CV to public job boards, do not include your full home address or date of birth. Your name, email, and phone number are more than enough for an employer to get in touch.

Part 4: What to Do If You Think You Have Been Scammed

*Do not feel embarrassed. Scammers are highly sophisticated. If you think you have been targeted, take these steps immediately.*

**Step 1: Call your bank immediately**
* *Action:* If you have shared bank details or sent money, call your bank using the number on the back of your debit card. They have dedicated teams trained to help you stop transactions and protect your money.

**Step 2: Change your passwords**
* *Action:* If you think a scammer has gained access to your email or social media, log in and change your password straight away.

**Step 3: Report it**
* *Action:* Contact **Action Fraud** (the UK’s national reporting centre) on **0300 123 2040**, or report it to **Police Scotland** by calling **101**.

**Step 4: Reach out to your local support network**
* *Action:* Speak to your housing association officer, a trusted family member, or visit us at a **Won Connect** community digital hub in Glasgow. We are here to support you without judgement.

A Note from Won Connect CIC
> “Learning to navigate the digital world is a journey. By taking it one step at a time, you are protecting your independence, your finances, and your family. You are in control, and we are right beside you.”

Check this ebook The Complete Digital Confidence Collection, to master the digital world.