INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption
Black Friday could provide "prime pickings" for cyber-crime, warns the security
agency
Black Friday sales could be targeted as "prime pickings" for cyber-crime, the UK's cyber-security defence agency has
warned shoppers.The National Cyber Security Centre, part of the GCHQ intelligence service, is issuing advice to shoppers of the risk of
"malicious" online threats.It is the first such official cyber-warning in the run-up to the Christmas shopping season."It's vital that
knowledge is shared," says Ian Levy of the cyber-agency.The cyber-wing of the GCHQ communications centre says it wants to start a "national
cyber-chat" on Black Friday when billions are spent on online shopping.Speaking in publicIt might be known for working in secret, but the
agency wants to engage with the public over the seriousness of the threat.It has been involved in trying to tackle more than 550 significant
cyber-incidents in the past 12 months, and has taken down almost 140,000 "phishing" websites used by fraudsters.The National Cyber Security
Centre (NCSC) is giving tips for individual consumers to avoid cyber-crime - and for the first time it will be publishing answers to
questions from the public on Twitter.Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption
There are warnings for better
cyber-security when billions are being spent on online shopping
"Staying safe online doesn't require deep technical
knowledge, and we want the whole country to know that the NCSC speaks the same language as them," said Mr Levy, the cyber-defence agency's
technical director."With so many of the UK shopping online, we want to see these tips shared from classrooms and scout groups to family
dinner tables and old people's homes."The agency's chief executive, Ciaran Martin, recently told a meeting of business leaders of a "serious
and sustained" threat, including from "elite hackers" in other countries."It is not speculation and it is not scare-mongering," said Mr
"Large-scale criminal cyber-activity is, sadly, ubiquitous."This could include the "theft of millions" from retailers and attacks on
cyber-security during the Christmas shopping season."With more and more shoppers looking to get the best deals online, retailers continue to
invest significantly in developing the right tools and expertise to protect against cyber-threats," says James Martin, security adviser to
the retailers' organisation.But he warned of the danger of cyber-crime causing a "post-Christmas headache".The National Cyber Security
Centre's advice to reduce the risk of cyber-crime is:Install the latest software and app updatesChoose strong and separate passwords for
accountsType in a shop's website address rather than clicking on links in emailsAvoid over-sharing unnecessary information with shops, even
if they askDon't panic if you think you've been a victim of fraudKeep an eye on bank accounts for unrecognised paymentsMake sure all your
