The Charity Commission has highlighted a range of tools available to charities to tackle the risk of cybercrime within their organisations. Research suggests that approximately 70% of all fraud is now committed online. The publication is an important reminder of the link between cybercrime and fraud, and can be viewed in full here.
The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2019 revealed that in 2018 over two thirds of high-income charities had recorded a cyber breach. Over 80% of these attacks faced by charities had been made by ‘phishing’ attacks (the sending of false emails attempting to impersonate credible sources and eliciting sensitive information). Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, Helen Stephenson stated that “Charities play a vital role in our society and so the diversion of charitable funds or assets via cyber-crime for criminal purposes or personal gain is particularly damaging and shocking.”
How you can protect your charity from cybercrime
All charities should be vigilant to the threat of cybercrime and make sure appropriate defences are in place, including raising awareness with their staff and volunteers.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has produced a useful guide on how to protect from cyber crimes, which can be read here.
The Government also provides timely advice and guidance through its Cyber Aware website.
How to report cybercrime
If your charity has fallen victim to cyber crime, or any other type of fraud, you should report it to Action Fraud by calling 03001232040, or by visiting the Action Fraud website.
Charities should also report the fraud to the Charity Commission as a serious incident.
Find out more
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