Protect your devices

Use the following guidelines to make sure all your devices, including cell phones, tablets, laptops and public or work computers are secure:

• Be careful what you click on, share or download. If you receive an email from an unknown sender, do not open the attachment or click on any links as it could contain disguised malware.
• Create a strong password for all of your devices and always lock them when not in use.
• Enable cookie notifications in your web browser, and delete all cookies from your hard drive regularly.
• Make sure that your computer system is updated with the latest security software. You can find free anti-malware software online.
• Never share your password with strangers, friends, family, colleagues, or even your boss and never opt for the ‘save password’ option if you use a work or public computer.
• Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or mobile data when you are not using them and regularly delete mobile apps or games that you are not using.
• Use a spam filter on your email account to block spam emails.
• You should sanitise or clear all data from your hard drive before donating or getting rid of your computer..
  

Find out about the different types of malware and how to protect your devices from them in The City's Cybersecurity Handbook.

Secure your data

Keep stored data, whether it is online or on a device, secure from cybercriminals, and make sure that you don’t lose it:

• Be careful of online scams that try to get you to disclose personal information. Never respond to messages (email, SMS, MMS, social media) that ask you to update your information by clicking on web links.
• Don’t share any personal information (ID number, contact details, financial information, home address, etc.) unless you know and trust the person or institution that is asking for it.
• Never give permission for an external party to access any personal information such as your browsing history, contact list, calendar items, emails, images or videos.
• Set up a remote wipe option for all your devices so that you can delete any personal information from the device if it is stolen.
• Remember to back up your data regularly on a trusted device or network.

Report cybercrime

Crime Stop
Telephone:
086 001 0111

Crime Line
SMS:
32211 (free SMSes do not apply. Remember to identify your province, city and town, and leave your number if you want them to contact you)

SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit
Telephone:
021 424 8900

Bellville Commercial Crimes Unit
Telephone:
021 918 3437

Dial 10111 to report an emergency or crime to the police.

Document downloads