COVENTRIANS are being advised to download the latest software and app updates as soon as they are available to keep hackers at bay.
The Government has launched a new campaign, Cyber Streetwise, to protect people and business from viruses and other cyber threats on smart phones, computers and tablets.
They are, according to GCHQ’s cyber security arm, CESG, the most important action people and businesses can take to protect themselves from cybercrime.
The latest Government stats, from Ipsos MORI, revealed more than two-thirds of people in the West Midlands don’t always download the latest software updates for their mobile phone or for their computer, as soon as they are available.
It also found the most common reason people across the UK gave for not downloading the latest software updates for their computer was that it was ‘too time consuming’.
Yet it only takes a few minutes to download software and app updates versus the time it can take to recover from a cyber hack.
This is why Cyber Streetwise is launching #quickupdates.
Detective Chief Superintendent Chris Todd, WMP lead for cybercrime said: “Many people believe software updates are purely cosmetic but they also address security vulnerabilities in software, plugging gaps which hackers exploit to gain access to the general public’s devices.
“Remembering to download the latest software and app updates as soon as they are available really is a simple and yet powerful way you can reduce the chances of falling victim.”
Cybercrime is a serious threat to the UK and the Government is taking action to increase public awareness of the risk.
The Cyber Streetwise campaign, funded by the National Cyber Security Programme (NCSP), was launched in 2014 with the objective of providing the public and small businesses with the knowledge to take control of their cyber security and help protect themselves from cyber criminals.
Lynn Farrar, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch said, “We wholeheartedly support the #quickupdates campaign and we are urging everyone to download software updates on mobiles, laptops and computers as soon as they appear in order to protect against cybercrime.
“This is such a quick and easy way to protect yourself, your family and your community against hackers it makes sense to get into the habit of doing it as soon as you possibly can.”
For more visit www.cyberstreetwise.com/software-updates
