Subscribe to our RSS Feed Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook


Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information from Amber Valley Info














You Are Not Logged In
Login To Amber Valley Info

Online safety advice issued amongst coronavirus pandemic

Published on Thursday 26 March 2020

In amongst the Government advice on how to keep yourself safe during the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to keep your online safety a priority too - especially in a time where more and more people will be turning to the internet for entertainment.

That is why Derbyshire Police are urging you to complete Derbyshire County Council's Digital MOT to see how safe you are online, and to be aware of the tips below.
 
Although police haven’t had any confirmed reports of the below in Derbyshire, they have issued the following guidance to have in the back of your mind so you can stay safe online.
 
• Be aware of scam emails – scammers may take advantage of messages that are being sent, and try to send something similar with links claiming to have important updates, which once clicked on lead to devices being infected. Spot their sense of urgency, threats, spelling/grammatical errors, generic greeting and random sender email address. If you’re unsure if a message is genuine, double check it by visiting the genuine website (not through the link) or contact the organisation independently.
 
• If you’re working from home – be sure to log off if you move away from your machine. Sensitive information may be left on your screen, so be sure to close your computer properly. More information on passwords, encrypted work and VPNs has been released by the National Cyber Security Centre, you can read more here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online.
 
It’s worth mentioning too, don’t leave your laptop in a car overnight. Be sure to take it into your house and put it in a safe place – not in front of the window or by the door. Take time away from the screen too, you wouldn’t do a solid day’s work in the office, so take time to make a drink, stretch your legs and eat away from your computer.
 
• Ransomware - A new strain of ransomware has been created that completely encrypts the victim's device making it completely unusable. To get your files back it demands a payment in Bitcoin to release them. There is no guarantee that if you become a victim and do pay the demand that your files will be released. This malicious software is being installed through an app which claims to provide Coronavirus updates.
 
To prevent this - Only download apps from official stores, keep all software up to date, and only use the World Health Organization (WHO) or Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) for updates on COVID-19.
 
Please be aware that yesterday the Government sent out a verified text message that is pictured below. There is a chance that in coming days fraudsters may abuse this and try to impersonate legitimate organisations via phishing measures. If you received a link, or get this in the next couple of days and are unsure if it's legitimate, verify the information by checking the genuine website instead of clicking on the link to it in the text or email.

You can also proactively check how safe you are online by using the Derbyshire Police and County Council online MOT: saferderbyshire.gov.uk/MOT and find more advice from the National Cyber Security Centre on their website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/




More News From Amber Valley Info

Read Some Of The Latest News Articles From Amber Valley Info

Mayoral commendation for Ripley Hospital's League of Friends A fund-raising group at a Derbyshire hospital built by the community has been commended by the Mayor of Amber Valley for read more

Invitation to a FREE Community Concert The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir Last year, The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir celebrated its 120th Anniversary and toured the  read more

Councils successful swimming pool funding bid makes a big splash in Belper and Alfreton Belper Leisure Centre is celebrating another welcome funding victory following a second succe read more

Amber Valley extends public consultation for Pre-submission Local Plan Residents in Amber Valley are being consulted on the finalised submission of the boroughs Local Plan.  read more

East Midlands Orchestra Plans Dementia Friendly Performances Derby-based Sinfonia Viva, the Orchestra of the East Midlands, is planning to launch a programme of dementia-friendly cl read more




The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard

Read Some Of The Latest Posts On Our Noticeboard

Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more

Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more

Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley Mobile networks are being improved in Ripley boosting the speed, performance and coverage of mobile services in the area. read more

Trent Barton Buses - Extension Of The £2 Single Fare Cap Trent Barton Buses have confirmed their participation in the extension of the £2 single fare cap until the end o read more

Crich Tramway Village Looking For An Engineering Manager The successful candidate for this post will have excellent management skills gained whilst working in a practical workshop e read more







Amber Valley Local News


Mayoral commendation for Ripley Hospital's League of Friends A fund-raising group at a Derbyshire hospital built by the community has... read more

Invitation to a FREE Community Concert The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir Last year, The Pye Hill & District Male Voice Choir ... read more

Councils successful swimming pool funding bid makes a big splash in Belper and Alfreton Belper Leisure Centre is celebrating another ... read more

Amber Valley extends public consultation for Pre-submission Local Plan Residents in Amber Valley are being consulted on the finalised... read more

More news from Amber Valley











Cookies


Find out more about cookies we store on your computer.
Advertising


Find out about advertising on Amber Valley info.
Q R Codes


Find out about and download our QR Codes.
Social Media


Amber Valley Info are on Facebook and Twitter.
Legal Stuff


Read our copy of the sites terms and conditions.