Cybercrime now makes up 50% of all crimes in the UK but there are a huge number of people who are unaware of the risks.

One common thing we all share is that we want to feel safe in our own homes, and locking your doors and windows is one thing that can help provide this security. However, criminal’s tools have changed and they no longer need a balaclava and crowbar to gain access to your assets. Cybercrime is here and doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon with an average of one attack every 39 seconds!

According to the National Crime Agency, cybercrime now accounts for more than 50% of all crimes committed in the UK. There are several forms of cyber risk, and it is not just businesses that hackers are targeting, in fact, anyone with internet access can be affected.

Some of the risks for individuals and families:

1. Online Fraud and Identity Theft - A cyber-criminal steals another person’s personal information in order to access money or credit

2. Phishing - A cyber-criminal tricks an email user into revealing personal information that the cyber-criminal can use illegally

3. Cyber Extortion - A cyber-criminal gains access to your systems and prevents you from accessing it until a ransom is paid

4. Defamatory/ Slanderous Comments - Commonly relating to either personal defamation or product disparagement claims on social media

A few things you can do to prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime:

1. Set up strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts

2. Protect your Wi-Fi connection with a password

3. Try to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, especially for emailing or making financial transactions as these are particularly vulnerable to attack

4. Install a reputable company’s anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer

Cyber insurance is becoming increasingly popular as an additional cover for businesses, but it is also available for private clients too. Most commonly, and probably the best way to take out cyber cover is through your home insurance policy. Cyber insurance that is bought in this way usually provides cover for the risks listed above as well as several more.

If you have a personal computer network, you have a regular level of social media usage and email activity along with conducting your personal banking online, then a cyber insurance policy is probably applicable to you.

Talk to Matt or Louise today to find out more about adding cyber cover to your home insurance policy – 01202 754900.