According to statistics from the National Fraud Database, there was a surge in identity fraud during 2021, with 180,000 cases of fraudulent activity reported in the first half of the year alone. This type criminal activity is only expected to increase in 2022 and beyond.

At the NEBRC believe the best way to stay safe and avoid the risk of falling victim to fraud is to have good cyber security. By protecting sensitive documents and data, you can prevent scammers and criminals from stealing important information and even assuming your identity.

Identity fraud may seem a farfetched reality for some, but unfortunately, this form of fraud is becoming increasingly common. As a business, you may store sensitive data such as names, phone numbers, addresses and emails, on your network. Criminals can gain access to your system if your cyber security is weak: this may be due to using the same password or falling for malware and viruses in scam emails that can infect your computer.

With access to personal information, criminals could steal your money, sell your information to third parties, or even assume your identity. A stolen identity allows criminals to commit fraudulent activity under your name, gain access to your assets, and wreak havoc on your personal and professional life.

Flagging spam emails and questioning scam calls can prevent you from losing control over your livelihood, and potentially save others from falling victim to careless criminals by reporting such activity.

You can also protect sensitive information by storing it in encrypted files and managing passwords in a secure password manager – these are just some simple ways you can keep your network safe.

At the NEBRC, we are dedicated to supporting individuals and organisations by understanding the importance of identifying and managing cyber threats. Our team of ethical hackers can help test your system for vulnerabilities and provide advice on how you can develop a strong security system within your network.

For more information on the services, we provide and to sign up to our free Core Membership, please visit our website.