A CAMPAIGN has been launched by Dorset Police in a bid to warn of the dangers of cyber crime.

CyberSafe will focus on financial crime, child online safety, social networking and online fraud and property crime.

The campaign was launched at Bournemouth University where invited guests heard presentations from operational Dorset Police officers, the county's Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and Assistant Chief Constable David Lewis.

Representatives from the Bournemouth University Cyber Unit and GetSafeOnLine were also in attendance.

"The threat from cyber-crime is a rapidly growing problem for policing and is a priority here in Dorset and nationally" said a spokesman for Dorset Police.

"Computer enabled crime is one of the big revolutions in 21st century policing and Dorset Police is working hard to step up to the challenge.

"The campaign will run over the next 12 months and link in to the national campaign, GetSafeOnLine."

The launch event took place at the university's Marconi lecture theatre at the Talbot campus yesterday (Tues).

Director of Intelligence, Detective Superintendent Mark Callaghan, said: “Cyber-crime is a fast growing area of crime. More and more criminals are exploiting the speed, convenience and facelessness of the internet to commit a diverse range of criminal activities.

“Online safety shouldn’t be taken for granted or assumed. This is one of the big revolutions in 21st Century policing and we are working hard to step up to the challenge.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, added: “Cyber-crime has the potential to affect every household in Dorset. Our young people are at increased risk of cyber-bullying, an awful crime which has far reaching effects.

“We have also seen an increase in the risks to the older population as they embrace new technology to enable them to carry out financial transactions online and keep in touch with loved ones. It is essential that we prioritise tackling this new and growing threat which exists not on our streets but in cyberspace.

Dr Christopher Richardson, Head of Bournemouth University Cyber Security Unit said: “The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner’s new initiative to help police and reduce this global crime wave and its impact to our local economy is warmly welcomed by Bournemouth University and its Cyber Security Unit."

Advice:

•Make sure your computer has up-to-date internet security software switched on.

•Don’t reveal personal information on social networking sites

•Regularly backup the data on your computer and smartphone/tablet

•Never reveal your password or PIN when asked to do so by email or on the phone

•Make sure your wireless network is secure at all times

•Be careful who you are selling to and buying from on auction sites

•Choose strong passwords, change them regularly and don’t tell anybody what they are

•When shopping, paying or banking online always make sure the website is secure

•Always download the latest software and operating system updates when prompted

•Remember your smartphone is also a target for viruses and spyware