Cybercrime

Hooded man looking at laptop with computer icons in the background


If you think you may have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, you should report this to Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.  

West Yorkshire Police has a dedicated Cybercrime Team, who are looking to spread the word about the dangers of Cybercrime and the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives.

 

What is Cyber Crime?

Cyber crime is an ‘umbrella’ term for lots of different types of crimes which either take place online or where technology is a means and/or target for the attack.

It is one of the fastest growing criminal activities across the world, and can affect both individuals and businesses.

Cyber crimes can affect people in different ways, and in most cases victims will feel worried and scared by what has happened. For this reason cyber crimes are treated as ‘real world’ crimes and are prosecuted as such. 

The adopted definitions of cyber crime are:

  • Cyber Dependent Crimes, where a digital system is the target as well as the means of attack.  These include attacks on computer systems to disrupt IT infrastructure, and stealing data over a network using malware. The purpose of the data theft is usually to commit further crime.
     
  • Cyber Enabled Crimes, ‘existing’ crimes that have been transformed in scale or form by their use of the internet.  The growth of the internet has allowed these crimes to be carried out on an industrial scale.

The internet can also be used to facilitate drug dealing, people smuggling and many other 'traditional' crime types. 

Anyone can be a victim of cyber crime – whether you are a young person who feels they are being bullied or harassed online or an older person or business who has been scammed out of money or important data. 

 

Have you spotted a suspicious email?

If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS):

[email protected]

Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to 7726. This free-of-charge short code enables your provider to investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious.

You can also find out further information by visiting the National Cyber Security Centre website.

 

Improve your online security today by taking six actions:

  1. Use a strong and separate password for your email
  2. Create strong passwords using 3 random words
  3. Save your passwords in your browser
  4. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
  5. Update your devices
  6. Back up your data

More information about this can be found on the visiting the National Cyber Security Centre website.

 

Get a personalised ‘to do’ list

Protect yourself or your business online with your free Cyber Action Plan - no sign up required.

Learn how to protect yourself or your small business online with the Cyber Aware Action Plan. Answer a few questions on topics like passwords and two-factor authentication, and get a free personalised list of actions that will help you improve your cyber security.

Stay protected online with a Cyber Action Plan - NCSC.gov.uk

 

The Police CyberAlarm

Police CyberAlarm acts as a “CCTV camera” monitoring the traffic seen by a member’s connection to the internet. It will detect and provide regular reports of suspected malicious activity, enabling organisations to minimise their vulnerabilities.

Found out more, by visiting their website- Police CyberAlarm

 

Video conferencing security guidance

Many of us are now using video calls to stay in touch with family, friends and work colleagues. If you're new to video conferencing, this guidance will help you to use these services safely.

Downloading video conferencing software

  • Only download the software from trusted sources
  • Check online to understand what app is right for you
  • Check the privacy settings

Setting up video conferencing services

  • Make sure your video conferencing account (or the device or app you are using for video conferencing) is protected with a strong password
  • Test the service before making (or joining) your first call
  • Understand what features are available

Hosting and joining calls

  • Do not make the calls public
  • Know who is joining your call
  • Consider your surroundings

 

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