From Neighbourhood to Cyberhood: Over a third of Neighbourhood Watch members now more concerned about cybercrime than physical crime.
In November 2019, we announced a 12-month partnership with cybersecurity firm Avast, called Cyberhood Watch. A special logo Cyberhood Watch logo was created to celebrate the partnership. Since the start of the initiative, we have continued the partnership due to its success and positive impact in local communities.
The Cyberhood Watch initiative has been set up to help members and their families and communities keep their digital lives safe and secure, by providing resources, information and practical advice via our networks and the Avast Cyberhood Watch webpage.
Cybercrime now feels like more of a threat than physical crime for a rising number of households across England and Wales, with more people either falling victim personally, or knowing someone who has been a victim of online theft, according to research from over 14,000 Neighbourhood Watch members. The research, carried out in conjunction with Avast, a cybersecurity leader in the UK, found that those who believe cybercrime is less of a threat than physical crime are firmly in the minority (15%).
Additionally, over a third (34%) believe cybercrime is now a bigger threat than physical crime, and half (50%) think the threat level is similar. In response, Neighbourhood Watch and Avast are working together in a partnership called ‘Cyberhood Watch’ to tackle these fears, and providing online cybersecurity awareness courses to help inform and protect 2.3 million households* across England and Wales.
Avast’s support will include a range of services to help Neighbourhood Watch members become more informed and less at risk of falling victim to cybercrime. This will include a training and accreditation scheme for local Neighbourhood Watch representatives, local informative events, downloadable guides and resources, and ongoing sharing of information about relevant emerging threats. Follow this link: https://www.avast.com/uk-cyberhood
We are looking for case studies of people who have been affected by cybercrime. If you are willing to share your story please complete this cybercrime case study form.
We are not currently taking any more applicants for Ambassadors as we communicate with and move forward our current cohort. Please keep an eye on this page, Our News and our social media for future further call outs.