Preventing criminals from hacking into your bank account or protecting your social media sites from fraudsters are just two of Wiltshire Police’s many goals.
The force has kicked off Cybersecurity Awareness Month throughout October, during which it will release top tips to remind people how to stay safe online.
Using one-time passwords, additional layers of security like two-factor authentication, regular data backup, and software update tracking are some of the areas people need to think about when using computers, tablets and smart phones.
Detective Sergeant Phil Nash, of Wiltshire Police’s Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit (DIIU), said: ‘In our busy lives, where being online is part of daily work and downtime , it’s easy to forget or become complacent about cybersecurity.
“We all do. However, this potential chink in the armor is often how criminals break into private social media accounts, banking details and other online systems to steal identities, manipulate social media accounts and even take the money.
“Cyber Security Awareness Month is a great way to remind us all of what we need to do to protect our passwords and accounts from criminals.
To report cybercrime, contact Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.
More information can be found at www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/online-fraud/cyber-crime-fraud/