Why this matters
Your phone and computer hold the keys to your accounts and money. If a device is unlocked, out of date, or infected, even the best passwords and habits can be undermined. Securing your devices is a simple foundation that protects everything you do online.
Lock your devices
Use a screen lock — a strong PIN, password, or biometrics (fingerprint/face) — on every device.
Avoid obvious PINs like 1234 or your birth year.
Set a short auto-lock so your device locks quickly when idle.
Don't leave devices unlocked and unattended, especially in public.
Keep control of access
Don't share device passcodes, and change them if someone may have seen yours.
Never install remote-access or screen-sharing apps at the request of a caller or message. → See: Impersonation Fraud: Fake Banks, Authorities & Support
Review app permissions and remove access that apps don't need.
Log out of shared or public devices, and avoid saving logins on them.
Install apps safely
Only download from official app stores (or a company's official website).
Check the developer and reviews before installing.
Be wary of apps that ask for excessive permissions unrelated to their function. → See: Recognising Malware & Malicious Apps
Get the Blackcat and Blackcatcard apps from official app stores only.
Keep everything updated
Updates fix security weaknesses that fraudsters exploit. → See: Keeping Your Apps & Software Updated
Turn on automatic updates for your operating system and apps.
Don't ignore update prompts for long.
Extra protection
Back up important data so you're not held hostage by malware or device loss.
Enable "find my device" features to locate, lock, or erase a lost device.
Be cautious on public Wi-Fi. → See: Safe Browsing & Public Wi-Fi
If your device is lost, stolen, or compromised
Lock or erase it remotely using your device's "find my device" feature.
Change passwords for important accounts, starting with your email.
Contact us through the 24/7 in-app support chat (on another device) if your Blackcat account may be at risk.
Remove any suspicious apps and run a security check if you suspect malware.
Watch for follow-up scams and report anything unusual.
→ See: I Think I've Been Scammed: Immediate Steps