21/04/2017

Cyber Security Campaign Launched By PSNI

The PSNI's Reactive and Organised Crime Department have launched a cyber security campaign, encouraging local people to be "cyber savvy".

Launching the campaign, Detective Chief Inspector James Mullen said: "Social media has opened up new and unprecedented ways for people to connect and engage with one another, however with this freedom come some potential risks.

"As a police service we've had reports from individuals who have fallen victim to blackmail conducted via social media. We're also being contacted by young men and women who have been duped into sending images and videos to fake modelling agencies and so called 'talent scouts' on various social media platforms.

"My message today is simple – never post or send images to anyone via social media that you would not be happy to have viewed publicly, particularly nude or nearly nude images or videos – remember there is always a chance those images could be shared.

"Finally I would appeal directly to anyone who has had an online interaction that has made them uncomfortable, worried or troubled, to please tell police about it. Your local officers can be contacted any time 24/7 by calling 101. In an emergency police can be reached via 999."

(MH/JP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 March 2012
UTV Media Announces Acquisition Of PR Firm
A successful media company in the UK and Ireland incorporating Radio, Television, New Media and Publishing has revealed that they have bought a social media agency with the hope of further expanding their multi-media business.
15 February 2019
Pat Ward Murder: Man Questioned Over Social Media Images
A man arrested on suspicion of withholding information in the investigation into the murder of Pat Ward has been released. The 44-year-old was arrested by detectives on Thursday 14 February and later released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.
09 August 2021
Anonymous Social Media Posts Are Not The Way To Deal With Crime - SF
Anonymous social media posts are not the way to deal with crime, Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady has said, urging anyone with information on illegal drug dealing and criminality to bring it to the PSNI.
06 February 2024
New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Online Grooming
A new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers for children online has been launched by the PSNI and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 6th February 2024. According to the PSNI, online sexual offences against children are becoming an increasing crime type in Northern Ireland.
15 March 2012
NI Watches 32 Hours Of TV A Week
One third of people in Northern Ireland watch television for a combined 32 hours per week, a new report has claimed. The report for Telescope 2012 revealed that 31% of adults also enjoy posting and monitoring comments on social media sites while watching TV.