The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recently launched its Cyber Aware campaign to help tackle online criminals.
Part of the campaign sees the creation of the Suspicious Email Reporting Service which will make it easy for people to forward suspicious emails to the NCSC – including those claiming to offer services related to Covid-19.
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The NCSC makes up part of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and it’s been revealed they’ve already taken down 2,000 scams – including 471 fake online shops – trying to trick people looking for coronavirus-related services.
Ciaran Martin, NCSC Chief Executive Officer, said: “With greater use of technology, there are different ways attackers can harm all of us.
“That’s why we have created a new national reporting service for suspicious emails – and if they link to malicious content, it will be taken down or blocked. By forwarding messages to us, you will be protecting the UK from email scams and cyber-crime.”
James Brokenshire, Minister for Security, said: “I encourage everyone to follow the Cyber Aware advice and to use the Suspicious Email Reporting Service. They provide important new ways in which we can protect ourselves as well as our families and businesses.”
Have you spotted a suspicious email?
If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, you can forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service by emailing report@phishing.gov.uk
The NCSC will then analyse the suspect email and any websites it links to. Whilst the NCSC is unable to inform you of the outcome of its review, they confirm they will act upon every message received.
Report a cyber crime
You should not report crimes by contacting the NCSC in this way. If you think you may have been the victim of fraud or cyber-crime, you should report this to Action Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Action Fraud is the UK’s National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre.
Stay safe.
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