We previously wrote to you in April to notify you of a potential data breach relating to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme management tools. With the support of external IT security specialists, further investigations into the incident have continued in the weeks since and we are now in a position to provide you with an update as promised.
What is the scope of the breach?
In an age where digital technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the
concept of trauma has expanded beyond physical events to encompass virtual
experiences as well. From cyberbullying and online harassment, to exposure to
violent or disturbing content, individuals are facing a myriad of challenges in the
digital realm that can profoundly impact their mental health.
Being hit by a cyberattack, whether it's a phishing scam, ransomware threat or a
computer virus can be a traumatic event, affecting not just your security, but also
mental health and wellbeing.
I am contacting you to let you know that on Saturday 13th April 2024, we identified a technical anomaly within the Neighbourhood Watch scheme management module of the Alert system. This anomaly represented a potential risk to some of your data (as detailed below).
What was the issue?
Data from Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, shows that 22,530 people reported that their online accounts had been hacked in 2023, with victims losing a total of £1.3 million.
How are accounts hacked?
ue to high demand, we’re expanding our monthly webinars about Cyber Security and Online Fraud and you can see and register for upcoming webinars here https://bit.ly/49laP7q
Delivered by our Protect Officer for Surrey and Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit to empower you with knowledge to navigate the digital world safely.
Previously advertised on our social media pages, our March sessions are almost fully booked and therefore, we have extended the sessions and best of all, they are completely free!