Businesses warned of E-crime dangers

Cumbria Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable took part in an educational seminar to inform Cumbrian businesses of the dangers of eCrime.

DCC Stuart Hyde was a guest speaker at the ‘21st Century Security’ event hosted by Furness Enterprise yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 21 July), and gave a talk to the 37 local businesses in attendance on the risks that cyber criminals present to the online business world.

DCC Hyde gave expert advice alongside DC Mark Cameron from Cumbria Constabulary’s High Tech Crime Unit about the online threats that face Cumbrian businesses; ranging from common threats posed by unsuitable IT security measures and the misuse of social networking sites, to sophisticated ‘phishers’ and ‘scammers’ that hijack computer networks.

They also discussed the role of Constabulary’s High Tech Crime Unit and how they investigate online crime when it is reported.

DCC Stuart Hyde who is renowned as one of the UK’s leading lights in cybercrime within his role as President of the Society for the Policing of Cyberspace (POLCYB), a not for profit organisation that sees law enforcement and industry working together to increase people’s personal and professional knowledge of cyber crime issues, said:

"It is great that events like these are being held in our communities where experts are able to gather and share advice and best practice to equip our local businesses with the knowledge and skills they need to avoid falling victim to online crime.

"The internet has opened up a wide range of fantastic opportunities for small to medium sized businesses but its sophisticated nature means that these days; many serious crimes can be committed online.

"By raising awareness of the simple yet effective measures that people can take to protect themselves – and their businesses – online, we hope to reduce the number of victims in Cumbria and provide local business and residents with the knowledge they need to protect themselves from cybercrime."

A National Fraud Reporting Centre, Action Fraud, has been created for victims to report fraud easily and confidentially. For advice, guidance and support, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40 or www.actionfraud.org.uk.

For more information on how to stay safe online, visit Cumbria Police’s website: www.cumbria.police.uk, www.getsafeonline.org or www.people-united.org.

CAPTION

DCC Hyde, Edward O’Keefe of Furness Internet and DC Mark Cameron from Cumbria Constabulary’s High Tech Crime Unit

You can also visit our sister website www.edenvalleymessenger.com follow us on Facebook , Twitter or get the story behind the news on our blog Cumbrian Messenger.

This website is updated throughout the day including Sundays and Bank Holidays. You can also receive a free weekly round-up of the news from The Lake District by subscribing to our free mailing list on our Homepage, right hand column CLICK HERE. If you have a friend who would enjoy this site, please forward them this link www.thelakedistrictmessenger.com