Most of us like to think we are pretty clued up when it comes to tech, but the latest research has shown that 59% of people use the same password for most websites. For example, a Facebook hacker could also gain access to your mobile phone, online file storage, email account, Amazon account, smart TV, or social media networks. So for this reason it is vital we all adopt ways to ensure we are being as secure as possible when operating online.

Here are some key tips to help you stay safe online and prevent you from getting hacked.

1. Update regularly - always ensure your devices are using the latest operating systems. It's always tempting to put the updates off, but updates are created with the latest improved software to help prevent any security issues.

2. Security - ensure you have a good quality anti-virus and firewall software installed on your device, again these are often updated fairly regularly so make sure you have the latest versions.

3. Protect your phone - a lot of mobile devices now have fingerprint recognition, use this is yours has it or if it doesn't set up a pin lock (just don't use your date of birth as the pin number!)

4. Passwords - now we have all heard this advice before, but don't use the same password for every device, try and use different ones and if you find it tricky to remember them all use the system LastPass, a free online system that allows you to store all your password information.

5. Log off - when you have finished using any website where it requires you to log in, then make sure you log off completely when you are done.

6. Encryption - Encryption won't stop files, emails or details you submit through a website being intercepted, however, what it does do is ‘scramble’ the content so they can’t be read by unauthorised users. One of the most common forms of encryption you can make use of is to check for the little padlock symbol next to the URL (or that the address starts with https, not just http) when you're logging in or providing payment details.

7. Back-up your data - if you are unfortunate enough to be hacked and your data is compromised, then having a back-up of your data is key. AND, make sure you back-up your data ideally in the cloud or away from your main computer. I heard of a story recently whereby someone back-up their data to an external hard drive (GREAT) but kept the hard drive in their office, their office caught on fire and everything was lost!

8. Suspicious emails - be aware of suspicious emails. Most are fairly obvious to spot, but others aren't. Be very suspicious if an email asks for your login or account info, and check that any links are legitimate (i.e. not hsbo-bank.co.uk) and secure (https not http). This is known as phishing and is one of the easiest ways for passwords to be stolen.

9. Online shopping - when shopping online always use a credit card for making your payment. If you become a victim of fraud you are more likely to get your money back (trust me I know this from personal experience).

10. Public wi-fi - public wi-fi will never be as secure as your wi-fi at home. Everything you do whilst using public wi-fi can be spied on. Only use well-known or reputable wi-fi hotspots.

These are just a few tips to ensure you stay as safe and secure as possible when online. Do you have any tips that you could share? We always need to make sure we stay one step ahead of the hackers and scammers out there!