Devon and Cornwall Police are teaming up with Action Fraud to offer advice to people on how they can secure their social media and email accounts properly.

As part of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Action Fraud is encouraging members of the public to follow beneficial advice to keep their personal accounts secure.

According to Devon and Cornwall Police, email and social media hacking are the most prevalent form of cyber-dependent crime reported to Action Fraud.

To help keep accounts protected, Action Fraud have shared some advice on the Devon and Cornwall Police website. It reads: “Use a strong and different password for your email using three random words.

“Your email password should be strong and different from all other passwords. Combining three random words that mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember, but hard to crack.

“However, do not use words that can be guessed (like your pet’s name). Numbers and symbols if needed can also be used. For example ‘Hippo!PizzaRocket1”.

As well as offering password advice, Action Fraud also reveal how to add extra account protection. It reads: “Turn on 2-step Verification (2SV) for your email.

“2-Step Verification gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can’t access your email.

“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 changing settings such as your password. You won’t be asked for this every time you check your email.”

Devon and Cornwall Police are also encouraging people who think they have been a victim of cybercrime to report the incident to Action Fraud either by calling 03001232040 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

More advice can also be found on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.