143% spike in Merseyside cyber attacks
A new video has been released to showcase a tool aimed at protecting businesses
Cybercrime incidents in Merseyside have shot up by 143% in the last year - and Merseyside Police are urging businesses and charities to do more to protect themselves.
The force has released a new video highlighting its 'Police CyberAlarm' tool in an aim to help avoid further incidents.
It follows high-profile cyber-attacks across the country and in Merseyside, with Jaguar Land Rover's Halewood plant still shutdown after an incident at the end of August.
In 2024, there were 682 reported cybercrimes in Merseyside alone - with a national survey finding that attacks are costing businesses an average of £8,000 and charities an average of £21,000.
43% of UK businesses have been hit by cyber-attacks in the last year.
Detective Sergeant Danny Gavin, of Merseyside Police's Cybercrime Unit, said:
"Cybercrime affects organisations of every size, and defending against it requires a collective approach.
"We have produced the new video to be shown during cybercrime prevention talks delivered by our cyber investigators. Our aim is to help organisations in Merseyside learn how Police CyberAlarm can improve their cyber defences, and that it is free to use."
Police CyberAlarm is installed as a virtual server that monitors threats passively without disrupting operations or accessing sensitive data.
When units discover emerging threats and vulnerabilities, all relevant members receive immediate alerts so organisations can protect their systems before criminals strike.
Andrew Richmond, National Coordinator for Police CyberAlarm, said:
"Merseyside Police is showing the power of local action in tackling a global threat. Cybercrime continues to rise, but with tools like Police CyberAlarm, organisations here in Merseyside, and across the country, can strengthen their defences at no cost.
"This initiative is backed nationally because the intelligence it gathers not only protects individual members, but also builds a stronger, collective picture that helps law enforcement stay ahead of emerging threats. By working together, we can make the UK one of the hardest places in the world for cybercriminals to operate."