WEB surfers in Dorset are being urged to browse the net safely as new figures reveal cyber crime cost Dorset £8.6 million last year.

The figures, released by Get Safe Online and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, show that despite 71 per cent of people living in the South West listing identity theft as their top concern, 38 per cent use the same password for several online accounts.

And, while 87 per cent said they had not been targeted by cyber criminals in the past 12 months, 68 per cent, in fact, had.

Of those who said they had been a victim of cybercrime, 27 per cent said the matter was too trivial to report and, worryingly, 56 per cent said they felt there was nothing that could have been done.

Nationally, the UK lost £10.9 billion in 2015/16, which is an average of £210 per person over the age of 16 living in the UK.

But, the figure only represents fraud and cyber crime reported to Action Fraud.

A specially commissioned survey marking Get Safe Online Day, which is today, reveals that the UK figure is likely to be much greater, with respondents who had been a victim of online crime losing an average of £523 each.
 

However, 39 per cent of people who said they’d been victims of online crime said they hadn’t reported the incident – meaning that the overall amount of money lost by the UK could be more.

A staggering 89 per cent of people surveyed said they felt online crime was as damaging, or more damaging, than physical crime. 
 

Get Safe Online is urging people to make online security part of everyday routine as research also showed that some people in the area only update their security software every nine months and 16 per cent do not update their device operating systems at all.

And 19 per cent said they never update their privacy settings on social media, with 52 per cent saying they did not know how to.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Pete Little, of Dorset Police, said: “The threat from cyber crime continues to be a rapidly growing problem and tackling it is a priority in Dorset.

“The Dorset Police Cyber Crime Unit is already focused on ensuring that the force provides a quality response to all forms of online crime in our communities. However, a significant amount of cyber crime could be prevented in the first instance if members of the public were aware of how to protect themselves from becoming victims of online crime. 

“That’s why we are working with Get Safe Online to continue to equip members of the public and local businesses with the information and guidance they need to limit their chances of becoming victims.”  

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Colin Pipe, said; “Cyber crime has the potential to affect virtually every household and business in Dorset and the commissioner is committed to ensuring Dorset Police do everything possible to prevent these crimes.” 

How to stay safe online

  • 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 on 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.


For more advice, visit www.getsafeonline.org