Get Safe Online provides safety training to organisations across Cumbria

International cyber-safety organisation, Get Safe Online (GSO), provided training to multiple organisations across Cumbria on how to keep themselves safe online.

The training was commissioned by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Peter McCall, who contracts GSO in Cumbria to provide advice and information to residents and businesses on how to best protect themselves. The training covered issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), fraud and scams, password protection, online banking and other key concerns of the organisations involved.

GSO trainer, Liz Stanton, provided free, tailored training to groups including The Well Communities, Barrow’s Womens Community Matters, Energy Coast UTC, Mencap Carlisle, Triple A – All About Autism, Wetheral Women’s Institute and Cumbria Deaf Association.

Speaking on the training, PFCC Peter McCall, said: “I’m really pleased that I am able to provide Cumbrian organisations with free training on how to keep themselves safe online.

“Get Safe Online are experts on cyber safety so I know that they have provided great advice to those who received the training.

“Technology is continuously advancing and so are cyber criminals whose main aim is to take advantage of vulnerable and trusting residents for their own gain.

“This is why training such as this is so important because prevention is key. The more we understand how to protect ourselves, the less likely we are to become a victim.

“However, it can happen to any of us. If you have been a victim of a scam or any other cyber-crime, please contact the Police on 101 or Action Fraud at 0300 2040 123.”

Tony Neate, CEO at Get Safe Online added, “We were delighted to be able to provide online safety awareness training in Cumbria this month.

“Fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated, and the more we can do to protect residents, especially those who might be more vulnerable, the better.

“Everyone needs to be able to use the internet safely, securely and with confidence and we hope that those taking part in the training left feeling better able to interact online.”

Wendy Wilson, Staff and Service Development Manager of Mencap Carlisle, said: “The trainer, Liz, was excellent and adapted the training perfectly to accommodate the needs of the group. Feedback from the group was very positive and we hope she can return at some point to provide more training.”

If you feel that your organisation could benefit from free, tailored training delivered by Get Safe Online, please contact the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk.