Cyber attacks and digital disruptions

Businesses and community organisations rely on digital systems to operate. Taking simple steps to protect your accounts, devices and data can reduce the impact of cyber incidents.

If you receive a suspicious email

You may receive emails that appear to be from a manager, supplier or bank asking you to:

  • make an urgent payment
  • change bank account details
  • reset a password
  • open an attachment or click a link

If you receive a suspicious email:

  • do not click any links or open attachments
  • do not reply to the email
  • contact the sender using a trusted phone number or another known contact method
  • contact your bank immediately if money has been transferred

You can report suspicious emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk.

If your files have been locked by ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that can prevent you from accessing files or systems.

If you believe your organisation has been affected:

  • disconnect affected devices from the internet and local network
  • do not pay the ransom
  • report the incident
  • restore systems from a verified backup if available

If an email or social media account is compromised

If you lose access to an organisation's email or social media account:

  • change or reset passwords immediately
  • use the platform's account recovery process
  • log out of all devices where possible
  • warn customers, members or residents using alternative communication channels

If your website becomes unavailable

A denial of service (DoS) attack can overwhelm a website or online service with traffic, making it unavailable.

If this happens:

  • contact your website hosting provider
  • contact your internet service provider if necessary
  • provide alternative contact details through other communication channels

Report a cyber incident

Action Fraud

Report fraud and cybercrime.

Telephone: 0300 123 2040

Visit Action Fraud

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

Report serious cyber incidents.

Report an incident to the NCSC

Suspicious Email Reporting Service

Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Report scam text messages

Forward suspicious text messages to 7726.

Police non-emergency

Telephone: 101

Contact the police if you believe a crime has been committed.

Improve your cyber security

You can reduce the risk of cyber attacks by:

  • using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
  • keeping software and devices up to date
  • backing up important files regularly
  • training staff to identify phishing emails
  • restricting access to sensitive information