Detective Sergeant, Dave Hull, from Surrey and Sussex Cyber Crime Unit said:

“We are working hard to prevent cybercrime in Surrey and we would urge all our residents and businesses to download the latest software updates from verified vendors to protect against viruses and hackers. Simple cyber security techniques such as this can make it extremely difficult for an attacker to obtain data or compromise systems. Software updates address security vulnerabilities and are designed to plug the gaps which hackers exploit to gain access”.

Cyber Streetwise urges people and businesses across Surrey to always download the latest software and app updates as soon as they are available. Software and app updates contain vital security upgrades which protect devices from viruses and hackers. They are the most important action people and businesses can take to protect themselves from cybercrime.

It only takes a few minutes to download software and app updates versus the time it can take to recover from a cyber hack. This is why it makes sense.

An estimated 2 million cybercrime offences were committed last year (according to ONS figures).

Advice from GCHQ’s cyber security arm, CESG recommends that software updates are the most effective action Britons can take to protect themselves online. However the majority of people in the South East don’t always download the latest software updates for their mobile phone (68%) or for their computer (64%), as soon as they are available.

To find out more, including how to set your device to that it automatically downloads the latest software updates visit https://www.cyberstreetwise.com/software-updates