Published: Tuesday 16 November 2021
A pair of local Safeguarding Ambassadors have shared their top ten tips to help fellow residents avoid falling victim to online crime.
Shiv and Michael issued their advice in a short video launched to mark National Safeguarding Adults Week on 15 November. It comes as data reveals that 41 per cent of all crime in England is a form of cybercrime and UK residents are 20 times more likely to be defrauded online than in the street.
The simple steps anyone can take to stay safe online and avoid falling victim to scams, bullying and viruses include:
1. Having strong passwords on all your accounts
2. Using antivirus (and keeping it up-to-date on all your devices)
3. Making sure you always update your software
4. Always backing up your data
5. Turning on Two-Factor Authentication: Use a password and facial recognition, or any other combination.
6. Avoiding using public Wi-Fi – keep Wi-Fi turned off on your device
7. Not clicking on links or attachments
8. Not sharing everything on social media
9. Always questioning requests for personal information
10. Reporting all fraud and cybercrime to Action Fraud
Cllr Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at Kensington and Chelsea Council, said:
“Online scammers cause untold misery, especially to vulnerable residents, so it’s vitally important that we do everything we can to keep people safe.
“There are a number of simple, practical steps we can all take to protect ourselves online, so please check them out and share them with your friends, families and neighbours.”
Cllr Tim Mitchell, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care at Westminster City Council, said:
“Everyone is entitled to live their life in safety without being mistreated, hurt or exploited by others. Our People First website provides more information on a range of things you can do to help prevent harm and what to do if you suspect someone is being abused or neglected. We take reports of abuse and neglect very seriously and will always listen to your concerns and provide a prompt response.”
One of Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster’s Safeguarding Ambassadors Michael Wills, who features in the film, said:
“We want to do more to help people who are vulnerable to stay informed and that is why we have put together a Top Tips on Cyber Crime film. We all want to protect our loved ones and urge you to tell at least two people about some of the tips in this film, and then tell them to tell two people, so we can continue to raise awareness of prevention tactics that will prevent criminals from continuing to target the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Safeguarding Adults Week activities from Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster Safeguarding Adults Executive Board:
How to keep yourself mentally healthy
Monday 15 November, 4pm to 5pm
Staying mentally healthy supports your mind and body, making you better equipped to deal with the difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust Chief Psychologist, Dr Ryan Kemp talks live to the communities and staff across the Bi-borough on How to keep yourself Mentally Healthy and how to help and support others.
Introduction to digital safeguarding
Wednesday 17 November
The Ann Craft Trust shares best practice in relation to how to create safer cultures online. Over the past year an increasing proportion of our lives from work and education to sport and activity has moved online. This is likely to continue to some extent, even as lockdown restrictions ease.
Read more about digital safeguarding.
Community Champions annual conference
Thursday 18 November
Louise Butler, Head of Service for Safeguarding and Workforce Development for Kensington and Chelsea Council and Westminster City Council, is hosting a workshop at the Community Champions 9th annual conference on how to create safer cultures.
Find out more about Community Champions and what they do.
Community safety hate crime prevention and awareness training
Friday 19 November, 1pm to 2pm
Lorna Platt, from the Council’s Community Safety Team, will host this training session which will cover what hate crime is, how you can report it and support that is available across Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster. Speakers will also include Victim Support and Action Disability Kensington and Chelsea.
Click Here to attend the training session