A new initiative by the National Crime Agency (NCA) is kicking off a campaign in the UK designed to highlight the dangers of not being protected online and encourage computer, mobile and tablet users to download and update their security software.
NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU) is working in partnership with the government’s Cyber Streetwise campaign to carry out the program, addressing the recent finding that four in 10 adults don’t always install security software on new computers and mobiles, increasing the risk of cyber-criminals accessing their cash, passwords and family’s privacy.
“The internet is a great place to explore the world and do business, and the majority of people won’t experience any problems,” said Jamie Saunders, the director of the NCCU, in a statement. “But for the minority who leave themselves unprotected, not downloading and updating their security software can be very costly.”
According to figures from the Office of National Statistics, there were 10,731 victims of a computer virus/malware/spyware reported to Action Fraud in 2013/14. The National Cyber Security Tracker, which is used to measure people’s online security behaviors, suggests that 37% of adults occasionally install security software on new internet devices.
Of the almost 11,000 victims of viruses last year, many found themselves infected after opening suspicious emails, visiting infected websites, downloading risky software and, in some cases, putting infected memory sticks and CDs into their computers. In many cases, infections could have been spotted and blocked had the victim downloaded and updated their security software.
The tracker also found that 37% of women take risks online compared to 29% of men, and an average of 41% of all 18-44 year olds do.
"It’s tricky to put exact figures on the cost of cyber crime to the UK and the number of people who don’t protect themselves, but what we do know is that far too many people continue to put themselves and others at risk online,” Saunders said. “However, the cost to individuals not only hits their pockets but also their personal and family life, which is why it’s important that everyone takes steps to protect their computer, tablet and mobile.
Through the National Cyber Security Programme, the UK government has dedicated £860 million over five years to cybersecurity.