The Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office has welcomed the findings of a new report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, which has shone a light on the ‘inconsistent’ police response to cyber crime nationally.
The report, Cyber: Keep the light on. An inspection of the police response to cyber-dependent crime, looked at 10 forces (not including Staffordshire Police), as well as all nine regional organised crime units, the National Crime Agency, Action Fraud, and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.
It found although they were generally effective at tackling cyber-dependent crime, there were many local variations in the response to this national threat.
With the increasing importance of digital technology in our everyday lives, cyber-dependent crime is one of the fastest growing threats and its impact can be devastating for victims. It is estimated to cost the UK £1.1 billion each year, and fraudsters are increasingly targeting businesses large and small.
A survey commissioned by the Commissioner’s Office revealed even in 2016 there were 62,000 internet users who were victims of at least one cyber crime, but the majority were still unreported.
Deputy Commissioner Sue Arnold leads on cyber crime on behalf of the Staffordshire Commissioner Matthew Ellis. She said: ‘Cyber-dependent crime is a huge national issue, and should therefore be addressed consistently at a national level.
‘Reports such as this are invaluable in identifying gaps within service provision and show that we all have to become smarter if we’re going to reduce the impact of this underreported crime.
‘While things have improved, victims are still telling us that there is more to be done nationally. All victims should be able to expect the same level of service when they report cyber crime, regardless of where they live.’
Tackling cyber crime is a priority for the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office (SCO):
- The SCO championed nationally a joined-up approach between Action Fraud and forces to ensure victims receive support at local level. The SCO commissioned the Staffordshire Victims Gateway and Business Crime Helpline services, ensuring that their training includes support for victims of cyber crime once they have reported incidents to Action Fraud.
- In 2017, Sue Arnold established the Staffordshire’s Online Fraud Forum on behalf of the Commissioner to bring together key stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to address this increasing threat.
- In November 2017, the Commissioner’s Office hosted a conference attended by representatives from hundreds of local businesses to raise awareness of cyber crime and how they can protect themselves against becoming victims.
- Last October, free cyber champions in the workplace training was designed and launched by the forum, and there are now around 200 champions. The free training gives Staffordshire businesses the chance to get cyber savvy and stay one step ahead of online fraudsters, with designated workplace champions. By protecting themselves from cyber attack, businesses can help to protect their customers’ data.
- The Commissioner’s Office teamed up with Trading Standards, working with the Adult Safeguarding Board to identify ways to support vulnerable people to prevent them becoming victims of financial abuse.
Sue continued: ‘It’s all too easy to fall foul of online fraud, and the consequences can be devastating for victims.
‘The free training available will enable businesses to stay ahead of the fraudsters. These cybercrime champions will be the first point of contact for information and will be able to share it easily and quickly with their colleagues.’
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk, or for crime prevention advice, sign up for Smart Alerts at www.staffordshiresmartalert.uk/staffs/ or follow @SP_DigitalPCSO on Twitter.
