High Sheriff of Gwent

On-line Safety

On-line safety refers to the measures taken to protect individuals and their information from harm, harassment, or damage when using the internet and online services. It encompasses topics such as privacy, security, cyberbullying, and the responsible use of technology.

In 2023, the reality is that anyone has the potential to fall victim to a cyber attack.


Cyber Shorts

Cyber Shorts is a series of compact learning modules to raise awareness of issues surrounding online safety and the methods used by criminals to engage in illegal and harming activities. Provided courtesy of HutSix.
www.hutsix.io

Navigating the Web Safely

Learn about domains and how to tell if you're on a secure website.
VIEW

Phishing

Find out how to spot scam e-mails.
VIEW

Passwords

Understand the three simple rules to securing your accounts.
VIEW

Devices and Malware

Improve the security on your devices by following the steps in this tutorial.
VIEW

Social Media

What precautions should you take when posting online?
VIEW

Responding to Cyber Crime

A quick overview of what steps you can take if you've been affected by cyber-crime.
VIEW

WHAT IS CYBER SECURITY?

Cyber security is the means by which individuals and organisations reduce the risk of being affected by cyber crime.

Cyber security's core function is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers), and the services we access online - both at home and work - from theft or damage. It's also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices, and online.

Cyber security is important because smartphones, computers and the internet are now such a fundamental part of modern life, that it's difficult to imagine how we'd function without them. From online banking and shopping, to email and social media, it's more important than ever to take steps that can prevent cyber criminals getting hold of our accounts, data, and devices. 


IF YOUR SYSTEM HAS BEEN COMPROMISED

Whether it's your email, social media or some other type of online service, there are many things which can alert you to the fact that someone else is accessing your account.

Being locked out of the account is an obvious indication that something has gone wrong, but the signs can be more subtle. Things to look out for include logins or attempted logins from strange locations or at unusual times. Changes to your security settings and messages sent from your account that you don't recognise are also give aways.

However you discover the problem, once you know your account has been hacked, press the button below for advice on what you should do:
GET HELP

CYBER THREAT ACTORS

Cyber threat actors are groups or individuals who, with malicious intent, aim to exploit weaknesses in an information system or exploit its operators to gain unauthorized access to or otherwise affect victims’ data, devices, systems, and networks, including the authenticity of the information that flows to and from them. The globalized nature of the Internet allows threat actors to be physically located anywhere in the world and still affect the security of information systems in the United Kingdom.

 CAUSES OF CYBER BREACHES


Weak or stolen passwords: Attackers can easily gain access to sensitive information if passwords are not strong enough or if they are obtained through hacking or phishing.

Unpatched software: Software vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers if they are not fixed in a timely manner.

Phishing scams: Phishing scams trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or financial information through emails or fake websites that appear to be from a trusted source.

Insufficient network security: Weaknesses in a network's security can allow attackers to penetrate and steal sensitive information.

Social engineering: Attackers can manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or take actions that compromise security through psychological means.

Insider threat: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive information can intentionally or accidentally cause a breach.

By understanding these causes and taking appropriate measures, organizations and individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyber breach.

DANGERS CHILDREN FACE ON-LINE


Cyberbullying: Children can be subjected to cyberbullying through social media, instant messaging, and other online platforms.

Online Predators: Children can be targeted by predators who use the internet to groom and exploit them.

✧ Online Scams: Children can be tricked into giving away personal information, money, or other valuables by online scammers.

✧ Inappropriate Content: Children can be exposed to graphic or violent content that is not suitable for their age.

✧ Addiction: Children can become addicted to online games, social media, or other online activities that negatively impact their mental and physical health.

✧ Privacy Issues: Children can have their personal information, such as their location, photos, and messages, shared online without their consent.

✧ Online Purchases: Children can make unauthorized online purchases, incurring charges to their parents' credit card or bank account.

✧ Spam: Children can receive spam emails or messages containing malicious links that can harm their computer or steal their personal information.

  • CHILD PROTECTION

    For many of us, we see our online lives and offline lives as different, but children are growing up with technology and the internet and for them there isn’t a difference; online life and offline life is just life.

    Technology can move at an extraordinarily fast pace and it can be difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’re doing online, who they might be speaking to or discussing the potential risks and issues. The NSPCC offers some excellent advice and resources.
    LEARN MORE

    PARENTS GUIDE TO INTERNET THREATS

    It’s nearly impossible to keep children off the internet these days. From homework assignments to FaceTIme with Grandparents, the internet is a fact of life.

    Unfortunately, it’s not all academia and family connections—the internet can be a risky place, especially for children. But you don’t have to go it alone. The UK Safer Internet Centre has identified the top online threats to children and tips for keeping them safe.
    LEARN MORE
  • APPLE INTERNET ACCESS CONTROLS

    Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
    With Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time, you can block or limit specific apps and features on your child's device. You can also restrict the settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch for explicit content, purchases and downloads, and privacy.
    LEARN MORE

    MICROSOFT EDGE CONTROLS

    Establishing internet boundaries is an important way to protect yourself and your family from inappropriate web content. Microsoft Family Safety web and search filters work across any Windows, Xbox and mobile devices that have the Microsoft Edge browser and Family Safety apps installed.
    LEARN MORE
  • SNAPCHAT ACCESS CONTROLS

    Snapchat is a fast, fun way to share moments with friends and family. Most of our community uses Snapchat every day, so it isn’t surprising that parents and teachers regularly ask us for advice. The Compnay shares your concerns and wish to provide a safe, fun environment for creativity and expression.
    LEARN MORE

    INSTAGRAM CONTROLS

    As a parent it may be hard to understand what your teen is doing online and why they're spending so much time on their phones. While it might seem like posting photos and videos is second nature for teens, many of them actually put a lot of thought into what they share online. It's hard to know how to have an open conversation with our teens and keep them safe while we're learning to navigate the landscape ourselves. 
    LEARN MORE
  • ADVICE FOR 4-11 YEAR OLD CHILDREN

    Help, advice and resources for 4–11 year olds
    Our guidance for helping to keep young children happy and safe online courtesy  of Childnet
    LEARN MORE

    ADVICE FOR 11-18 YEAR OLDS

    Help, advice and resources for 4–11 year olds
    Our guidance for helping to keep young people happy and safe online courtesy of Childnet
    LEARN MORE

RISKS TO BUSINESSES FROM CYBER ATTACKS

 Data theft and breach of privacy
Financial losses from fraud or theft
Disruption of operations and services
Compliance violations and legal consequences
Disruption of operations and services
Damage to reputation and customer trust
Compliance violations and legal consequences
Ransomware attacks and data ransom demands
Intellectual property theft

State-sponsored cyber attacks.



For further information and advice contact the Wales Cyber Resilience Centre. See below

ADVICE ON DEFENDING YOURSELF FROM SCAMMERS

Be cautious of unsolicited emails or calls asking for personal information.
Don't click on links from unknown sources.
Verify the identity of the sender before responding.
Use strong and unique passwords for accounts.
Keep software and security systems up-to date.
Don't wire money to someone you don't know.

Beware of entities presenting prizes and offering to fix urgent problems.
Don't be pressured to act fast.
Use two-factor authentication where available.
Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

Research the company or individual before doing business with them.

Support for Small/Medium sized Companies

The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC)

The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) is a police, private sector and academia partnership that is part of a network of Cyber Resilience Centres across the UK. The aim of the WCRC is to support Welsh businesses and third sector organisations in protecting themselves against cybercrime. The WCRC offers a free Core Membership which provides useful information, access to tools, and monthly updates to help businesses improve their cyber resilience and protect themselves from the most common cyber threats. The centre also provides cyber security services designed to identify vulnerabilities, assess current plans and policies, as well as helping individuals to build overall cyber awareness.
This video is provided courtesy of The Cyber Resilience Centre For Wales

Testimonials

Personal insights from local people

PAUL

"As a parent I am constantly concerned about the threats my children face from on-line predators. We are open with our children about  the risks and they are encouraged to share their concerns with us." 

KATRINA

" Being on guard is essential in this connected world. It is not just about systems. People are the biggest vunerability for criminals in staging cyber attacks." 

PHIL


"Cyber Training raised so many issues that I had never really considered. I had always thought it was the job of other people to keep my data safe. I now realise how vulnerable I was before taking the training."

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