Cyber security

The National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) Exercise in a Box is an online tool to help organisations find out how resilient they are to cyber attacks and practise their response in a safe environment.

See further NCSC guidance on cyber security tailored for:

• the self-employed and sole traders
• small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• large organisations
• the public sector

Further guidance

• Learn more about the recently formed South East Cyber Resilience Centre and the guidance they can provide to businesses.
• Read about the 'Think Before You Link' awareness campaign to protect against criminals attempting to access sensitive information.

Raise your cyber defences with the Thames Valley Police Cyber Protect Team

The Thames Valley Police (TVP) Cyber Protect Team offers an online presentation via Microsoft Teams or Zoom that will deliver a high level overview of how to raise your cyber defences to help plan, respond and recover from a “Cyber Incident”, and how to report a live or historical incident..

To arrange a presentation or to learn more, email [email protected]. Include any available date and time options for a presentation.

The team also offer presentations for community groups, covering topics like password protection, reporting suspicious emails and shopping securely online.

Fire safety - unattended properties

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is reminding businesses that “a fire in an unattended commercial property could have devastating repercussions for the business, the local community and any residents in the same building or nearby.

“It is important to ensure safety and maintain preventative measures for these premises while the country responds to COVID-19. It could be as simple as a quick visit to check that commercial smoke detection and alarm systems are still working. Where possible, in line with government guidance, make a visit."

They list several actions that businesses can take to ensure fire safety measures are carried out.

Read the full article here.

Will your insurance cover damage at your premises if the site was unoccupied due to COVID-19?

Businesses are advised to check with their insurance policy provider to understand whether or not they would be covered for damage that occurs at their property if it has been left unattended for a period of time.

The risk of fire, water damage or theft could increase with a prolonged absence from the site, and although lockdowns and closures force individuals to be away from their premises, some insurance policies can contain clauses about the maximum amount of time a property can be left unoccupied for.

A conversation with your policy provider should identify what you need to do to comply with your policy.

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 >

Beware of scams related to COVID-19 vaccines

Action Fraud is warning the public to remain vigilant as criminals begin to take advantage of the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine to commit fraud.

Action Fraud received a high volume of reports relating to a phishing email earlier this year. The email, which attempts to trick people into handing over their bank details, was reported more than 1,000 times in 24 hours. It appears to come from the NHS and asks the recipient to click on a link to accept or decline an invitation to receive the coronavirus vaccine. If they click accept, they are asked to input personal information and their bank card details.

Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said:

“The vaccine is a crucial tool in fighting the coronavirus and keeping people safe.

“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”

Action Fraud has received reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for the vaccine. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website.

How to protect yourself:

In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you to receive your vaccine.

Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.

• The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.
• The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.
• The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
• The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.  

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to [email protected]. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge.

If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Support for COVID-19, EU Transition and other issues

The Buckinghamshire Business First team is here to support your business with our range of impartial and trusted sources of support and guidance.

Please get in touch with any queries you have related to your business. We are here to help.

Contact details:

• Phone: 01494 927130
• Email: [email protected]
• Online form: Book a chat with an adviser.