Cyber and Fraud
What is the risk of cyber attacks in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire?
Cyber criminals may try to steal data or money, draw attention to a cause or otherwise disrupt government, society and individuals by preventing things from working.
Smartphones, computers and the internet are now such a fundamental part of modern life, that it's difficult to imagine how we'd function without them. From online banking and shopping, to email and social media, it's more important than ever to take steps that can prevent cyber criminals getting hold of our accounts, data and devices.
How could cyber attacks
affect you?
As we depend more on technology, cyber dangers have progressed and grown more widespread, presenting a significant risk to
people and businesses.
- Disruption to digital life in general
- Loss of income / financial impacts
- Loss of sensitive information
- Theft of personal information
- Reputational damage
- Disruption of computer networks
- Disruption to your business
Follow these practical steps so you and your family can be
better prepared for a cyber attack
Smarter passwords
Implement the NCSC's "ThreeRandomWords" guidance and use separate passwords for work and personal. Remember to change your passwords over regular intervals.
Verify requests for personal information
Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details and email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.
Turn on 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all your online accounts
Maintain anti-virus and install a firewall
Keeping your anti‑virus software up to date and using a firewall is essential for protecting your devices from cyber attacks. Updated security tools can detect the latest threats, block malicious activity and stop hackers gaining access to your personal information.
Remain vigilant against phishing scams
Always update your devices
Access the advice that's available
For more information and advice visit:
How to prepare
your business
See the National Cyber Security Centre’s website for information and advice on:
- Dealing with common cyber problems
- Protecting data and devices
www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/advice-guidance/all-topics
- Cyber crimes can be reported to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
- They can also be reported to the police, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Suspicious emails
- Forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will investigate it.
Text message
- Forward the text message to 7726 – it’s free. This will report the message to your mobile phone provider.
Adverts
- Report scams or misleading adverts to the Advertising Standards Authority. You can report adverts found online, including in search engines, websites or on social media. www.asa.org.uk/make-a-complaint.html
- You can report a scam or misleading adverts to Google if you find them in Google search results, or to Microsoft if you find them in Bing search results.
Find your emergency contacts for cyber attacks
If you think you’ve been a victim of an online scam or fraud
Contact Report Fraud via their website or 0300 123 2040 if you think you’ve lost money or been hacked because of an online scam or fraud.
Report here: Reporting cyber crime and fraud or phishing attempts - Report Fraud
What can you do to support your community?
How prepared is your business?
- See the National Cyber Security Centre’s website for information and advice on:
- dealing with common cyber problems
- protecting data and devices
- Cyber-crimes can be reported to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
- They can also be reported to the police, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org
- NCSC’s Cyber Aware campaign provides information on the steps individuals and small businesses can take to protect themselves online.
- Make a cyber action plan via the following link - www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/actionplan
- Stay protected online with a Cyber Action Plan - NCSC.GOV.UK
- West Mercia Police also offers free cyber-security training presentations for business staff and members of the community.
- If you would like to arrange a presentation, please email cyberprotectteam@West Mercia.police.uk
- Businesses can also visit the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre for support and help to protect businesses across the region against cyber-crime.
- The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands www.wmcrc.co.uk
What is being done to become
better prepared?
We work together to:
- Develop and maintain a multi-agency Cyber Group and Cyber Response Plan.
- Assess the impact across interdependent partner organisations.
- Coordinate support to enable service delivery.
Further resources
Some of our partners
