Cyber Attacks

Digital dependence across society makes every sector vulnerable to cyber criminals who exploit weaknesses in online systems for financial gain through data theft, hacking, and large‑scale fraud.

Gloucestershire Risk:VERY HIGH

On this Page: What to do / How to Prepare / How to recover / Supporting your Community / Protecting your Business

What to do

How could cyber attacks affect you and your family?

As we depend more on technology, cyber dangers have progressed and grown more widespread, presenting a significant risk to people and businesses.

 

  • Disruption to digital life in general
  • Loss of income / financial impacts
  • Loss of sensitive information
  • Theft of personal information
  • Reputational damage
  • Disruption of computer networks
  • Disruption to your business

We can all be better prepared

Our The ‘Are you ready’ booklet brings together advice from various organisation to help you and your family take simple steps to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as fire, flood and loss of power.

Keep your personal information protected

Use strong and different passwords for your online accounts. Keep your passwords to yourself and do not share them. 

How to create strong and secure passwords
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Always update your devices

These regular updates contain security updates and your accounts and data remain vulnerable without them.

Don’t leave your devices unattended without locking them.

 

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Back up your data

Make your data recoverable in the event that your IT equipment is compromised. Ensure backups are regularly maintained on a separate device or in the cloud.

Turn on 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all your online accounts

This gives you additional protection. This makes it even more difficult for cyber criminals to access your accounts.

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Remain vigilant against phishing scams

Be cautious when clicking on links. Do not give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine.

Supporting your Community

 

Community resilience means people and neighbourhoods using local skills, knowledge and resources to look after themselves and each other during emergencies, working alongside but not replacing emergency services. Being prepared—knowing the risks you face, having basic plans for your household, and identifying neighbours who may need extra help—reduces harm and speeds recovery, especially when responders must prioritise the most urgent cases.

Many communities formalise this readiness with a simple Community Emergency Plan template and supporting guidance, which captures practical arrangements and contact details, so groups can act quickly and coherently. Testing those plans is equally important: simple checks (for example, a call‑out to verify contacts) or full exercises (such as opening a local Place of Safety) reveal gaps and build confidence. Local multi‑agency groups, like the LRF Community Resilience Group in Gloucestershire, provide a toolkit, guidance and workshops to help communities prepare and practise.

Protecting your Business

Cyber Security Advice for small business owners and entrepreneurs:

Use the Cyber Action Toolkit, a free, personalised cyber security solution from experts at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) which sets out simple, achievable steps for small businesses.

Adopt Cyber Essentials, the government’s highly effective scheme to protect against common cyber attacks. It includes free cyber insurance, access to a 24/7 emergency helpline and opens doors to government contracts and enhanced business opportunities.

If businesses do face an incident, help is available round the clock. Fraud and cyber crime can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

They can also be reported to the police, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

See the National Cyber Security Centre’s website for information and advice on:

  • dealing with common cyber problems
  • protecting data and devices

NCSC’s Cyber Aware campaign provides information on the steps individuals and small businesses can take to protect themselves online.