Double your defences with 2-step verification

Posted on: Friday, December 13, 2024

During last year’s festive shopping period (November 2023 to January 2024), UK shoppers lost over £11.5 million to online scams, with an average loss of £695 per victim.

The NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) - the UK’s technical authority on cyber security – has launched the the Stop! Think Fraud campaign, encouraging customers to stay vigilant and take simple steps to safeguard against cyber threats.

As online scams become more sophisticated, it’s crucial to enable 2-step verification (also known as 2SV, or 2FA) on your most important accounts.

The initiative, in partnership with the Stop! Think Fraud and Action Fraud, aims to strengthen the UK’s cyber resilience by encouraging people to secure their online accounts with 2SV.

How does 2-step verification (2SV) work?

  • 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password.
  • 2SV gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email.

The Stop! Think Fraud website provides clear, step-by-step instructions on enabling this feature across popular services and devices: Turn on 2-step verification (2SV) - Stop! Think Fraud.

Please see the NCSC's guidance for more information on setting up 2-step verification, using three random words and shopping online securely