The Metropolitan Police in the UK have released their very first Cyber Scams Book and eBook, designed specifically to help UK businesses safeguard company and personal data and protect customers from online crime. This guide aims to offer practical steps on how to guard sensitive information against cyber threats and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to hackers.

This essential resource, developed by the Metropolitan Police Service’s FALCON (Fraud and Linked Crime Online) team, features expert advice on topics such as cyber fraud, cyber-enabled crime, and multiple strategies for strengthening your online security. The Little Book of Cyber Scans provides detailed guidance on how to secure your digital assets.

Get your free PDF copy of the book by clicking here to download.

For further details, visit: https://beta.met.police.uk

Understanding What’s at Risk

Your finances, business reputation, sensitive information, intellectual property, computers, and digital services—including websites and payment portals—are all vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Data comes in many forms: it could be customer records, payment details, product data, or confidential business information. The risk exists regardless of where the data is stored—on company computers, mobile devices, or even in the cloud.

Experiencing an IT breach can lead to hefty repair costs and significant harm to your reputation. It might also result in the loss or unauthorised transfer of funds from business bank accounts. Additionally, losing data can mean facing severe penalties from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Source: The Little Book of Cyber Scams

How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Scams

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Regularly back up critical data and store copies securely offline.
• Keep all software and systems up to date with the latest security patches.
• Train staff on common phishing tactics and how to identify suspicious emails.
• Restrict access to sensitive information and use encrypted connections whenever possible.
• If you suspect a breach, act quickly—disconnect the affected system, contact your IT team, and notify authorities as needed.

For step-by-step guides and troubleshooting articles on how to recover from a cybersecurity incident, how to spot phishing attempts, and how to set up secure passwords, search our regularly updated blog for helpful tips and advice.