Cyber Aware campaign launched to boost reporting

The National Cyber Security Centre has reported that Brits have reported over 10.5 million suspicious emails to the UK’s cyber experts, resulting in the take down of 76,000 online scams.

Scams related to the NHS, online delivery companies, cryptocurrency investments and more have all been stamped out thanks to public reports to the GCHQ department. Last year saw a 161 per cent increase in unauthorised access to personal information offences – including hacking.

In response, a major government campaign has been launched across broadcast, online and almost 2,000 billboard adverts to publicise actionable advice on defending digital assets.

The Cyber Aware campaign recommends that people and small businesses use passwords made up of three random words and enable 2-step verification (2SV). This will help keep out anyone who should not have access to an account, by requiring a second step after the password is entered, such as a code texted to the account holder's phone.

Lindy Cameron, NCSC chief executive, said: “The British public’s response to our Suspicious Email Reporting Service has been incredible and led to the removal of thousands of online scams. But there is even more we can do and by following our Cyber Aware steps to secure online accounts – starting with email – people will dramatically reduce risks including financial losses and personal data breaches. We all have a role to play in our collective cyber security and I urge everyone to follow our Cyber Aware advice to make life even harder for the scammers.”

Cyber Aware is a cross-government campaign delivered by the NCSC, Home Office, Cabinet Office and Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport as well as law enforcement.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “I am determined that we do all we can to put an end to cyber crime and stop criminals who exploit our vulnerabilities online. It’s particularly important at times of heightened international tension that we are all vigilant to the risk of cyber security breaches and follow the simple steps set out in the Cyber Aware campaign.”