Cops put spotlight on cyber security
HALTON residents are being warned to keep their devices safe from cyber criminals.
Officers from Cheshire police and Get Safe Online have joined forces to issue simple safety tips to Runcornians and Widnesians on how they can keep smartphones, watches and laptops secure.
The advice is part of a campaign providing a range of tips to follow, including using a strong pin or password through to using security software and regularly backing up data.
Detective Sergeant Brian Faint of Cheshire police’s Economic Crime Unit said: “People often take extra care when it comes to their personal belongings and valuables but fail to think about their online security, which can have a devastating impact on victims.
“Anyone can fall victim to online crime and we want to remind you to remain security conscious and do everything you can to reduce being targeted by those intent in causing misery in our communities.
“I would strongly encourage everyone to start making online safety part of their daily routine by following a few simple tips to protect your digital devices.”
Tips being advised include having internet security software loaded, switched on and kept updated on computers and to download apps offering protection to mobile devices.
Residents are also advised to update software and apps when prompted including operating systems, to think before clicking on attachments or links in emails and social media posts as they could infect devices with various types of malware, including ransomware and spyware.
Computers should also not be left unattended in vehicles and public places, kept secure and out of harm’s way in the home and office.
For mobile phones, residents are encouraged to keep them protected when out and about in crowded areas, and to only grant an authorised support person who they have contacted remote access to devices.
Residents are also advised to back up all devices regularly in case they become usable or get lost or stolen, and to set up new passwords for devices to reduce the chances to avoid them being compromised by hackers.
Get Safe Online chief executive Tony Neate said: “Our smartphones, tablets and laptops have become essential to both our personal and work lives, they are also the gateway to our online lives so it’s important to keep them protected. These devices are expensive and contain some of our most precious data such as irreplaceable photos or confidential personal or work information so you don’t want them falling into the wrong hands.
“Simple things such as using a strong pin or password on our devices as well as using security software and back-ups mean if you do lose your device, your information is kept safe.”
For more information visit www.getsafeonline. org/devices