Thames Valley Police Cyber Protect newsletter

The Thames Valley Police Cyber Crime Unit produces a regular Cyber Protect newsletter to bring the key cyber security messages and guidance to the public, private and charity sectors across the Thames Valley area.

Read the latest edition here >

You can follow the Thames Valley Police Cyber Crime Unit on Twitter for related news.

Met Police guide to preventing fraud and cyber crime

The Metropolitan Police’s ‘Little guide to preventing fraud and cyber-crime’ explains some of the most common scams and gives advice on how to avoid falling victim to them. There’s also an audiobook available.

The Met Police state: “Several million cases of fraud and of computer misuse are reported to the police every year. It's staggering, but even more staggering is that so many of those crimes could have been prevented by making a few small changes in online behaviour. To avoid becoming a victim of online crime, you don’t need to be a computer expert. Developing a few good online habits drastically reduces your chances of becoming a victim of cyber-crime, makes you less vulnerable and lets you use the web safely.”

Find the guide here >

Online training to improve scam-awareness

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards run free ‘Businesses Against Scams’ sessions.

This online training is aimed at employees and volunteers that have the authority to make financial decisions on behalf of a business, or have access to private company information.

Find information on all the events in the series >

Mobile phone upgrade scam

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has released advice on a mobile phone upgrade scam. Read the details of what to watch out for >

How to avoid being a victim of ransomware and malware attacks

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has updated its ‘Mitigating Ransomware and Malware Attacks’ guidance. 

The NCSC lists four main actions that organisations should implement, outlined below, and say that “a good first step to avoid being a victim is making offline backups of data.”

• Action 1: Make regular backups
• Action 2: Prevent malware from being delivered and spreading to devices
• Action 3: Prevent malware from running on devices
• Action 4: Prepare for an incident

Read advice on how to go about each of these actions >

Early-warning cyber-attack notification service

An online service which alerts organisations to potential cyber-attacks affecting their networks has been launched by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre.

The Early Warning service is designed to help organisations defend against cyber-attacks by providing timely notifications about possible incidents and security issues.

Read all about the Early Warning service and how to register >

Related news:

• How to keep your business safe from physical and cyber threats >
• Organisations lose £3.8 million via email and social media hacking >

Do you have strong cyber security credentials?

Organisations that have strong cyber security practices in place can achieve Cyber Essentials certification to demonstrate their credentials.

Buckinghamshire Business First is an accredited Cyber Essentials organisation, demonstrating to suppliers, members and employees alike that we can be trusted with their data and have robust cyber security practices in place.

Why should you get Cyber Essentials certification?

• Reassure customers that you are working to secure your IT against cyber attack
• Attract new business with the promise you have cyber security measures in place
• Have a clear picture of your organisation's cyber security level
• Access some government contracts that require Cyber Essentials certification

Learn more about Cyber Essentials certification.