Email and social media account hacking remains one of the most reported cybercrimes in the UK, with reports rising by 34% compared with the previous year. The amount of money lost through this type of fraud has increased by more than 400%. To mark Cyber Security Awareness Month, Report Fraud has launched a new campaign encouraging people to strengthen their online security by switching to passkeys and enabling extra account protection. Account hacking happens when criminals gain unauthorised access to email, social media or other online accounts. Once inside, they often use those accounts to target family, friends and contacts, posing as the victim to request money, offer fake tickets, or carry out other scams. One of the most common patterns seen in reports is fraudsters using compromised accounts to impersonate someone known and trusted by the victim’s contacts. How to protect yourself · Use passkeys wherever they are available. · If passkeys are not an option, use strong, unique passwords generated by a password manager. · Enable two-step verification on your accounts. · Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your posts and personal information. · Avoid sharing unnecessary personal details online, such as birthdays, family information or pet names. · If you receive an unexpected message from someone you know asking for money or personal information, contact them through another method before responding. If you've already been hacked Report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, cyber-crime should be reported directly to Police Scotland on 101. The NCSC also provides guidance on recovering hacked accounts and reducing the impact of a compromise: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/recovering-a-hacked-account
For more information on passkeys see this link:
Passkeys: what you need to know | National Cyber Security Centre
Dave Suffield Cyber Crime Unit Protect | 
