Day 2 of the #30Days30WaysUK campaign focuses on the threat of scammers.
Cyber-crime is a rapidly growing problem across the UK, and it is one of the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit’s (NWROCU) main priorities.
More and more criminals are exploiting the speed, convenience and facelessness of the internet to commit a diverse range of criminal activities.
To help you NWROCU has put together a web page here that is full of advice and guidance including learning about some of the easy steps you can take to protect your home or business from cyber-crime.
The web page also includes a range of online resources and links to local and national organisations who offer support and advice on how to keep individuals and businesses safe including a downloadable booklet giving you information on how criminals target you online and how to protect yourself and your business.
Key tips to avoid the scammers include:
Verify Identities: Always verify the identity of the person or organisation contacting you. Use official contact information rather than contact details provided in the message.
Be Sceptical: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers or requests for urgent action.
Don’t Share Personal Information: Never share personal information, such as NI numbers, bank details, or passwords, unless you are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.
Use Secure Websites: When shopping online, ensure the website is secure (look for https:// and a padlock icon in the address bar).
Check Reviews and Ratings: Research the company or individual offering products, services, or investments. Look for reviews and ratings from trusted sources.
Use Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for different accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions.
Cyber Resilience Centre for the North West
The Cyber Resilience Centre for the North West (CRC) supports and helps protect small businesses in the North West of England against cybercrime.
Working with local Universities and the Police provides the CRC with access to the latest information on emerging cyber threats, criminal trends and best practice to provide businesses with trusted guidance to help protect against the latest cyber crime threats.
The CRC provide free and affordable testing and training services and signpost to government approved Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifiers based in the North West region, who are recognised by Police as Trusted Partners.
