You should ensure that all of your PC’s/MAC’s have a fully up-to-date Security Suite installed with the latest updates. A good security suite should comprise of Anti Virus, Anti Spyware and Anti Malware facilities.

A common misconception is that Mac’s are immune to Viruses. This is NOT the case and they are vulnerable to being targeted. There is a wide variety of security software available for Mac’s as well as PC’s.

You can also secure your mobile phones and tablets and it is recommended to protect all devices.

Most public hotspots don’t use encryption, so assume that anyone can see your internet traffic.

Here’s our top tips on securing your notebook:

• Make sure it's a legitimate hotspot; there have been examples of people setting up pirate routers with the same name as a legitimate one. These routers can be used to capture personal data, so check the name of the wireless network before you connect.

Most places will have the network name written somewhere. If you can’t see it, ask someone.

The firewall built into your router is designed to prevent hackers getting access to your computer from the internet. However, the firewall does not prevent people in range of your Wi-Fi signal from getting on your network or seeing your Wi-Fi traffic.

Encrypting your wireless network is the first step to securing your connection. Most third party routers will be delivered with encryption turned off, which will leave your network exposed if you don’t enable it.

When enabling your router’s encryption, make sure to use the strongest form that your network supports. Routers supplied by Claranet SOHO come with wireless encryption turned on.

Claranet SOHO believe that it is important to help our customers to be secure whilst online. For this reason, we have introduced strict criteria around the format of passwords in order to prevent your account being compromised by trojans or viruses.

When setting a new password, you must use a minimum of 6 characters and incorporate a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols. You will also not be able to use any of the following:

To change your password for a Dircon, Via or Freeuk email, contact our support team.

A password change can take up to 15 minutes to become active. To reset your password for your broadband or any @clara.co.uk/@clara.net email account, login to https://customer.clara.net.

Your username is the first part of your email address (anything before the @clara.co.uk).