A new digital tool for individuals, sole traders & small business has been developed by the National Cyber Security Centre.
This new tool will offer advice on improving and understanding cyber security. It has been launched on the same day that it was revealed ‘cyber crime worries’ keep Britain’s up at night.
New polling independently carried out on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre has today shown that 81% of British people fear themselves or their friends or family falling victim to cyber crime. The statistics have been broken down into regions and ages – giving a reflection of the fears the country has about online dangers.
Specifically:
- 58% are worried about their money being stolen online,
- 53% about having their personal details stolen online.
- 48% about their devices being infected by viruses or malware
- Those aged 25 to 34 years old are most worried – with 86% of people in this age bracket revealing their concerns.
To help protect themselves from falling victim, the NCSC urges people, sole traders & small businesses to use the new cyber action plan tool at www.cyberaware.gov.uk that generates a personalised list of actions to improve your cyber security.
NCSC Director for Policy and Communications, Nicola Hudson, said: “The last year has shown us the great value online technology brings to us all – but people are right to be wary that cyber criminals could look to take advantage of our increasingly digital lives. We can protect ourselves from the majority of cyber crime by following the six practical Cyber Aware steps and the newly launched Cyber Action Plan will help people to personalise this advice. I would urge everybody to visit the Cyber Aware site, use the Cyber Action Plan tool and follow our steps to secure themselves online.”
Alistair Cromwell, Acting Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “With many of us having to stay in over the past year, we’re more reliant on the internet to help us do things like keep in touch with loved ones or work from home. It’s vital we all know how to stay safe online. NCSC’s new Cyber Action Plan tool will help provide personalised and practical advice for staying cyber aware. Unfortunately, Citizens Advice has seen a huge increase in people seeking help with online scams since the pandemic began. If you need help identifying an online scam, Citizens Advice’s online Scams Action tool can help you.”
The government is committed to defending the UK against cyber threats and the NCSC has published advice and guidance to support individuals, including how to deal with suspicious emails, texts and call and how to shop online securely.
People should report suspicious emails and texts by forwarding to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Anybody who thinks that they’ve fallen victim to a cyber crime should report this to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland).
Source: NCSC
Published: 26th March 2021