‘DON’T assume you’re safe from cybercrime’.

That’s the warning from Dorset Police after it was revealed businesses and residents in the county lost almost £21million to fraud and cybercrime last year.

However, Dorset Police said research shows only around 10 per cent of cybercrime is formally reported, meaning the amount of money lost to fraudsters could be much higher.

Now Dorset Police is offering free advice and support to those who could become a victim.

Chris Conroy from the Dorset Police Cyber Crime Unit said: “People assume that they are safe from cybercrime. However, data from Action Fraud who record reports of cybercrime nationally on behalf of police forces suggests that no one age group is more likely to targeted. There is a scam out there for everyone.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the UK’s technical authority on cyber security, recently launched the latest phase of the Cyber Aware campaign.

It aims to help sole traders, micro businesses and small organisations stay safe online.

Mr Conroy said: “Last year, 92 per cent of recorded victims in Dorset were individuals.

“Cyber Aware reminds everyone that you don’t have to be a cyber expert to protect yourself or your business from criminals. The best part is that some of the easiest ways to protect yourself are completely free.”

To protect yourself, the Dorset Police Cyber Crime Unit recommends using strong, unique passwords.

It says by stringing three random words together you can create a password that is strong enough to keep criminals out but easy enough for you to remember.

Turning on 2-Step Verification is also recommended which requires people to provide a code, usually sent to your phone, when you log in to an account.

Those interested in booking a cyber awareness session for themselves, their business or community group can visit the Dorset Police website: www.dorset.police.uk/cyber

Police CyberAlarm is an award-winning free tool funded by the Home Office which helps businesses or organisations track and report suspicious cyber activity. To find out more, visit www.cyberalarm.police.uk.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, defrauded or experienced cybercrime, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk for help, support and advice.