A NEW initiative to help keep people safe online has been launched by Cumbria Police.

Peter McCall, the county's police and crime commissioner, has organised for Get Safe Online to deliver a comprehensive programme of cyber safety and awareness training over the next three years.

Launching the initiative at Penrith Rugby Club last Friday, Mr McCall said that cyber-crime was a key threat to individuals, businesses and communities and said that Get Safe Online would work with three community safety partnerships to deliver the programme across the country.

“More and more people live their lives online whether it be through their mobile phone, tablet or computer," said Mr McCall. "This is changing the way that criminals target people. This new, exciting project is about people protecting themselves.”

Get Safe Online delivered two ‘cyber-proficiency’ training events at the launch where approximately 80 participants, from a range of partner and stakeholder organisations, took part in training to enable them to train targeted audiences in their communities on relevant areas of online safety and security.

The Get Safe Online team was also at the Cumberland Show on Saturday along with representatives from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Constabulary. Visitors were invited to come along to the stand with their devices, mobile phones, tablets and laptops to have a free cyber security ‘health check’, and receive professional advice on how to stay safe and secure online.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Stalker said: “The online world can be a tremendous force for good but unfortunately, there are people out there who seek to exploit it to the disadvantage of others. In line with the national picture, cyber-crime is therefore an emerging threat to those that live and work in Cumbria.

“This collaboration will help us to protect people in Cumbria from becoming a victim of cyber-crime."

Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online said: “We’re really excited to join forces with Cumbria Police and support its campaign to keep local businesses and communities safe online. The internet offers so many possibilities for all of us but it’s important that we take simple steps to keep us safe from cyber criminals."