New crackdown on cyber crime

Thursday 22 January 2015

It’s a crime that’s booming but most cyber crime is easily preventable say police who want Islanders ready to defend themselves against online attacks.

They are witnessing more and more scammers switching to online crimes and are working to make sure the most vulnerable know how to protect themselves.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Beechey who was appointed the dedicated cyber-crime investigator back in 2013 said: “Many people think that the term ‘cyber crime’ only refers to hacking, but in reality it is much broader. We are seeing more and more criminals moving from traditional forms of crime into the cyber environment and we want to help people further protect themselves.

“Cyber crime generally refers to any offence that takes place online. It can be anything from being coaxed into sending someone money after meeting them on an online dating website, to a criminal accessing your smart phone data and apps through an intercepted public wifi area."

The more we do and share online, the more we put ourselves at risk of getting targeted but the police say most of these crimes are easily preventable and to kickstart their campaign they are dropping off leaflets to every home in the Island next month with 10 top tips on how to stay safe online.

They say the young, the elderly, home security and businesses are the most vulnerable groups and will be targeting advise to each of them.

Detective Chief Inspector Beechey said: “Our key message to the public is that up to 80% of cyber crime is easily preventable by making small and simple changes to the way we use internet technology. The advice we provide throughout the year will help you do this.”

You can get information on how to stay safe from cyber criminals here.