Cumbria Police offer safety tips for Safer Internet Day

Cyber experts at Cumbria Police are preparing to share essential tips and advice as Safer Internet Day approaches on 10th February.

The annual event aims to promote internet security, focusing on addressing key threats like online fraud and exploitation, particularly involving children and young people.

Cumbria Police's Cyber and Digital Crime Unit, featuring specialist officers, is dedicated to combating these digital threats.

The unit will participate in a webinar organized by the Westmorland and Furnace Safeguarding Children Partnership.

This online presentation is intended for professionals working with children, young people, or families.

The session aims to offer practical guidance for safer digital practices.

Throughout the year, officers provide educational inputs at schools across Cumbria, addressing topics such as social media use, awareness of online strangers, and the risks of sharing images online.

On Safer Internet Day, one of these safety sessions will occur in the county's south.

The force will also disseminate advice via various media channels to align with the event.

Detective Inspector Fiona Gray, who leads the Cyber and Digital Crime Unit, highlighted the significance of this initiative: "Tackling online crime and protecting the public is of the utmost importance to us – but there are many precautions people can take to protect themselves as well," Gray said.

"Safer Internet Day gives everyone the chance to refresh themselves on ways to keep themselves and their families safe online."

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, emphasized the importance of awareness and education in reducing cyber crime.

"Prevention and education are the keys to reducing cyber crime. If we know how to spot the signs of a scam and protect ourselves, we’re less likely to fall victim to these criminals," Allen said.

The National Cyber Security Centre offers the following tips to help individuals bolster their online security:

• Install the latest software and app updates
• Protect your email with a strong and separate password
• Activate 2-step verification
• Use password managers to store passwords
• Back up important data to an external source or cloud system
• Create complex passwords using three random words

If you've been affected by cyber crime, report it to the Police on 101 or Report Fraud at 0300 123 2040.