Online Safety & Cyber Crime
Staying Safe Online, Protecting Digital Rights and Preventing Cyber Crime
The internet provides valuable opportunities for communication, education, employment, business, entertainment and accessing services. However, it can also expose individuals, families and organisations to online risks, abuse, fraud and cyber crime.
This page provides information about online safety, cyber crime, digital rights, privacy, online exploitation and support services available across the UK.
This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace legal, safeguarding or professional advice.
Online Safety
Understanding Online Safety
Online safety means protecting yourself, your family, your devices and your information when using:
- Social media.
- Websites.
- Online gaming.
- Messaging services.
- Video platforms.
- Email.
- Online shopping.
- Mobile applications.
Good online safety includes:
- Strong passwords.
- Two-factor authentication.
- Privacy settings.
- Safe browsing habits.
- Protecting personal information.
- Reporting abuse and harmful content.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
Get Safe Online
Social Media Safety
Using Social Media Safely
Social media can be positive but may also expose users to:
- Scams.
- Bullying.
- Harassment.
- Grooming.
- Identity theft.
- Misinformation.
- Privacy risks.
Safety Tips
- Review privacy settings regularly.
- Limit personal information shared publicly.
- Verify unknown contacts.
- Report abusive behaviour.
- Be cautious when sharing location information.
- Use strong passwords.
Ofcom Online Safety Information
Online Grooming
What is Online Grooming?
Online grooming occurs when someone builds trust with a child or vulnerable person in order to manipulate, exploit or abuse them.
Grooming may happen through:
- Social media.
- Online gaming.
- Messaging apps.
- Live streaming platforms.
- Online communities.
Warning signs may include:
- Secretive online behaviour.
- Gifts from unknown individuals.
- Requests for personal images.
- Sudden behavioural changes.
CEOP
NSPCC
Sextortion
What is Sextortion?
Sextortion occurs when someone threatens to share intimate images or information unless demands are met.
Demands may involve:
- Money.
- Additional images.
- Sexual acts.
- Personal information.
Victims should never feel responsible for the abuse.
Report Sextortion
CEOP:
Action Fraud:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Online Blackmail
Understanding Online Blackmail
Online blackmail involves threats to:
- Share private information.
- Release images.
- Damage reputation.
- Cause embarrassment.
- Harm relationships.
Blackmail is a criminal offence.
Police Information
Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Revenge Porn
Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent
The sharing of private sexual images without consent may be a criminal offence.
This behaviour is sometimes referred to as:
- Revenge porn.
- Intimate image abuse.
- Non-consensual image sharing.
Victims may seek:
- Police support.
- Legal remedies.
- Emotional support.
- Content removal assistance.
Revenge Porn Helpline
https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Telephone:
0345 6000 459
Image-Based Abuse
Understanding Image-Based Abuse
Image-based abuse may include:
- Sharing private images.
- Threatening to share images.
- Recording intimate content without consent.
- Distributing content online.
- Manipulating images to cause harm.
Image-based abuse can have significant emotional and psychological effects.
Revenge Porn Helpline
https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Deepfake Abuse
What are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are digitally manipulated images, videos or audio designed to appear genuine.
Deepfake abuse may involve:
- Fake intimate images.
- False videos.
- Harassment.
- Fraud.
- Reputation damage.
- Blackmail.
Technology should never be used to exploit, deceive or abuse others.
Government Online Safety Information
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer
Cyberbullying
Online Bullying
Cyberbullying can occur through:
- Social media.
- Messaging services.
- Online gaming.
- Forums.
- Group chats.
Examples include:
- Threats.
- Harassment.
- Exclusion.
- Humiliation.
- Sharing harmful content.
Childline
Anti-Bullying Alliance
https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Catfishing
What is Catfishing?
Catfishing occurs when someone creates a false identity online to deceive others.
This may involve:
- Fake profiles.
- Stolen photographs.
- False personal information.
- Fraudulent relationships.
- Financial scams.
Report Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Identity Theft
Identity Fraud and Theft
Identity theft occurs when personal information is used without permission.
This may include:
- Opening accounts.
- Applying for loans.
- Accessing financial services.
- Committing fraud.
Protective Measures
- Monitor accounts regularly.
- Use secure passwords.
- Protect personal information.
- Check credit records.
CIFAS
Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Hacking
Unauthorised Access to Systems
Hacking involves gaining access to systems, devices or accounts without permission.
Examples include:
- Account compromise.
- Malware attacks.
- Phishing attacks.
- Ransomware.
- Data breaches.
National Cyber Security Centre
Report Cyber Crime
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Data Theft
Protecting Personal Information
Data theft may involve:
- Personal records.
- Financial information.
- Login details.
- Medical information.
- Business information.
Individuals and organisations should take reasonable steps to secure data and comply with data protection laws.
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Digital Privacy
Your Privacy Rights
Individuals have rights regarding their personal information.
These rights may include:
- Accessing personal information.
- Correcting inaccurate data.
- Requesting deletion where applicable.
- Restricting processing in certain situations.
- Raising concerns about misuse.
Information Commissioner's Office
UK GDPR Information
https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public
Online Harassment
Harassment Through Digital Platforms
Online harassment may include:
- Repeated unwanted contact.
- Threats.
- Abuse.
- Stalking behaviour.
- Hate incidents.
- Intimidation.
Harassment may be a criminal offence depending on circumstances.
Protection from Harassment Act 1997
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1997/40/contents
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Internet Safety for Parents
Supporting Children Online
Parents and carers can help children stay safer online by:
- Talking openly about online risks.
- Encouraging children to report concerns.
- Using parental controls appropriately.
- Understanding social media platforms.
- Monitoring age-appropriate content.
- Promoting healthy online habits.
Internet Matters
https://www.internetmatters.org
NSPCC Online Safety
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
Childnet
CEOP Safety Centre
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
Reporting Online Crime and Abuse
Where to Report;
Action Fraud
National reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
Telephone:
0300 123 2040
CEOP
For concerns about online child sexual abuse or grooming.
Police
Emergency: 999
Non-Emergency: 101
Ofcom
Online safety information and regulation.
Human Rights, Equality and Legal Protections
Everyone has the right to:
- Privacy.
- Personal safety.
- Freedom from abuse.
- Protection from harassment.
- Protection from exploitation.
- Freedom from discrimination.
- Access to justice.
Relevant legislation may include:
- Online Safety Act 2023.
- Data Protection Act 2018.
- UK GDPR.
- Computer Misuse Act 1990.
- Human Rights Act 1998.
- Equality Act 2010.
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
- Sexual Offences Act 2003.
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
- Communications Act 2003.
- Malicious Communications Act 1988.
Public authorities should act lawfully, fairly, proportionately and respect individual rights while protecting people from harm.
Useful Support Organisations
Cyber Security
National Cyber Security Centre
Get Safe Online
Child Safety
NSPCC
Childline
CEOP
Online Abuse Support
Revenge Porn Helpline
https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Privacy and Data Protection
Information Commissioner's Office
Important Notice
This website provides general information only and does not provide legal advice, cyber security investigations, safeguarding investigations or emergency services.
If you are in immediate danger call 999.
If a child may be at risk of abuse or exploitation, contact 999, CEOP, children's services or the police immediately.
Information should always be checked against official government, statutory and professional guidance as laws and procedures may change.