Many of you will have woken up on Christmas morning with the latest cutting-edge technology waiting for you under the tree.
Whilst Cheshire Police want you to enjoy all the gifts you receive this Christmas, they want to make sure people know how you can stay safe online, and bring to your attention the risks associated with internet use.
Recent figures have shown a rise is the number of online crimes across Cheshire and the UK. According to Get Safe Online, the UK saw a 22% increase in online crime in 2015.
Detective Sergeant Brian Faint said: "Online crime can have a devastating impact on those who fall victim to online fraudsters. People often take extra care when it comes to their belongings and valuables, but fail to think about their online security. Anyone can fall victim to online crime and we want to remind you to remain security conscious and do everything you can to reduce the risk of being targeted by those intent in causing misery in our communities.
"The latest figures released by Gate Safe Online show the scale and impact that online crime is having on individuals and businesses across Cheshire.
"As people continue to be affected by online crime, this Christmas we want to provide important safety advice to the public of Cheshire so they can tackle any issues as they arise."
Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "Officers will be working hard over the festive period helping to keep you safe online. While Christmas should be a period for festive cheer, it can bring misery to those who fall victim of online crime.
"By taking some simple precautions you can help to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of online crime and I encourage everyone to read and listen to the advice from the Constabulary this Christmas."
There are some simple steps that can be taken to make sure that online fraudsters do not get everything on their wish-list this Christmas.
Experts at Get Safe Online encourage everyone to follow a few simple steps:
• Review the passwords you use on your online accounts: Make sure they're strong enough and that you're not using the same ones for more than one account. Consider how you're going to remember them all – such as using an online password safe.
• Check your social media privacy settings. Make sure your information and updates are seen only by those you trust.
• Update your operating system and software programs/apps on your computer, mobile phone and tablet if you've been prompted to do so. It takes only a few minutes, and with your mobile devices, you can even do it while you're asleep.
• Back up your information – using the cloud is a great way to save all your documents, photos, music, emails and other irreplaceable files.
• Check that your internet security software and apps are up to date and switched on.
• If you have children, think about whether you're doing enough to help ensure they're staying safe online.
• If you've lost money report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you are a victim of online abuse or harassment, you should report it to your local police force.
• Take a few minutes to read the expert, easy-to-follow, free advice on all of these and considerably more subjects at www.getsafeonline.org.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
However, I am somewhat concerned that David Keane may not have read his job description properly (pretty-much like the bloke who went before him and who was resoundingly chucked out). He, or one of his numerous staff, has clearly cut and pasted some words of advice from elsewhere. No wonder he is advertising for a thousand pound a week "assistant"... to "hold the Chief Constable to account".
Incidentally, David, why exactly is our Chief Constable under investigation? Given your recent statements on clarity and accountability, perhaps you could tell the folks who pay for your (expanding) department?