NCSC launches national reporting service for suspicious emails

As the country continues to rely more on technology while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has launched a cross-governmental ‘Cyber Aware’ campaign, which offers advice on protecting passwords, accounts and devices, as well as a way to report suspicious emails.

The ‘Suspicious Email Reporting Service’ will make it easy for people to forward suspicious emails to the NCSC – including those claiming to offer services related to coronavirus.

The organisation has also published specific advice for the use of video conferencing services, with top tips on setting up your accounts, arranging a chat and protecting your device.

NCSC Chief Executive Officer Ciaran Martin said: “Technology is helping us cope with the coronavirus crisis and will play a role helping us out of it - but that means cyber security is more important than ever.

“With greater use of technology, there are different ways attackers can harm all of us. But everyone can help to stop them by following the guidance campaign we have launched today. But even with the best security in place, some attacks will still get through.

“That’s why we have created a new national reporting service for suspicious emails – and if they link to malicious content, it will be taken down or blocked. By forward messages to us, you will be protecting the UK from email scams and cyber crime.”

Minister for Security James Brokenshire said: “Criminals are seeking to exploit our greater use of emails, video conferencing and other technologies for their advantage.

“It’s despicable that they are using the coronavirus outbreak as cover to try to scam and steal from people in their homes. We all have a part to play in seeing they don’t succeed. 

“I encourage everyone to follow the Cyber Aware advice and to use the Suspicious Email Reporting Service. They provide important new ways in which we can protect ourselves as well as our families and businesses.”