Below are the ‘links’ for further COVID-19 information
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
The John Hopkins University Database which is tracking the COVID-19
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Even in these very trying times for everyone – some people are looking to take advantage of the current situation….sorry a bit lengthy but worth 3 minutes….
As the Fraud and Cyber Security Advisor for Cambridgeshire Police, I wanted to warn you as to how cyber criminals are exploiting the coronavirus situation. The following information has been released by the National Cyber Security Centre. (NCSC)
The public are being urged to follow online safety advice as evidence emerges that criminals are exploiting the Coronavirus online.
Experts from the National Cyber Security Centre have revealed a range of attacks being perpetrated online as cyber criminals seek to exploit COVID-19.
Techniques seen since the start of the year include bogus emails with links claiming to have important updates, which once clicked on lead to devices being infected.
These ‘phishing’ attempts have been seen in several countries and can lead to loss of money and sensitive data.
The NCSC, a part of GCHQ created to keep the UK safe online, is urging businesses and the public to consult its online guidance, including how to spot and deal with suspicious emails as well as mitigate and defend against malware and ransomware.
In addition, in recent days the NCSC has taken measures to automatically discover and remove malicious sites which serve phishing and malware. These sites use COVID-19 and Coronavirus as a lure to make victims ‘click the link’. Paul Chichester, Director of Operations at the NCSC, said:
“We know that cyber criminals are opportunistic and will look to exploit people’s fears, and this has undoubtedly been the case with the Coronavirus outbreak.
“Our advice to the public is to follow our guidance, which includes everything from password advice to spotting suspect emails.
“In the event that someone does fall victim to a phishing attempt, they should look to report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible.”
The NCSC has seen an increase in the registration of webpages relating to the Coronavirus suggesting that cyber criminals are likely to be taking advantage of the outbreak.
These attacks are versatile and can be conducted through various media, adapted to different sectors and monetised via multiple means, including ransomware, credential theft, bitcoin or fraud.
Continued global susceptibility to phishing will probably make this approach a persistent and attractive technique for cyber criminals. Moreover, if the outbreak intensifies, it is highly likely that the volume of such attacks will rise.
There are numerous examples of cyber attacks worldwide since the Coronavirus outbreak.
On 16 February, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of fraudulent emails sent by criminals posing as the WHO. This followed a warning from the US Federal Trade Commission about scammers spreading phishing ‘clickbait’ via email and social media, as well as creating fraudulent websites to sell fake antiviral equipment.
Cyber criminals have also impersonated the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), creating domain names similar to the CDC’s web address to request passwords and even bitcoin donations to fund a fake vaccine.
In January, attackers spread the Emotet banking trojan in Japan by posing as a state welfare provider to distribute infected Word documents. Similar operations have been observed in Indonesia, the US and Italy, with attackers attempting to spread the Lokibot infostealer, Remcos RAT and other malware.
Individuals in the UK have also been targeted by Coronavirus-themed phishing emails with infected attachments containing fictitious ‘safety measures.’ According to Proofpoint researchers, such attacks have recently become more targeted, with greater numbers focusing on specific sectors like shipping, transport or retail to increase the likelihood of success. The report can be read at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/cyber-experts-step-criminals-exploit-coronavirus
For information on protecting your business or family from cyber crime visit https://www.ncsc.gov.uk
For genuine information on coronavirus please visit www.nhs.uk or visit www.gov.uk
For fraud and cyber security information, please contact CyberProtectCambs@cambs.pnn.police.uk
Mr Nigel Sutton 8517
Fraud and Cyber Security Advisor
Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Tonight’s WTC Planning meeting and Finance & Policy committee meetings have been postponed/cancelled.
Whittlesey Town Council act as consultee’s to planning applications – the final decision is made by members of Fenland District Council planning committee.
If you have any concerns or wish to make comments on a planning application, this can be done by:
Contacting you own WTC or FDC Councillor.
Write or E-mail FDC stating the application reference number
Speak in person at a WTC planning committee meeting.
Speak in person at a FDC planning committee meeting.
As per my post from last week, where I advised all local groups should consider whether it was necessary to have their planned meetings…
Today I am sure everyone is up to speed with The Prime Ministers latest information.
Please see the latest advice given by NQS….
If your neighbours do not have ‘internet access’ please inform them…
Click on link below…there maybe issues with the link, depending on the browser you use…’Firefox’ or Internet Explorer…if this doesn’t work try Googling New Queen Street Surgery …I’ll investigate tomorrow..
Sainsbury’s (Oxney Road) 10:30 this morning completely packed out, all check-outs working and there were 5/6 trollies at each check-out.
There were only a ‘few’ items that #appeared# to be in low levels…. Tinned Baked Beans, Tinned Pasta products and ‘Beer’
Picture below of ‘dozens’ waiting for Tesco’s in Wisbech to open this morning…
Apologies for the delay – to advance/retard the page, ‘click’ on the bottom left corner ‘arrows’
Briggate West late this after noon the vehicle registration noted…. earlier ‘Fishing’ seen stealing Daffodils…How mean…..Unfortunately I dare say The Police have other priorities at present.
Message – New Queens Street Surgery – Patients Participation Group.
Due to the increased activity around COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we have taken the decision to suspend all non-business critical meetings for the next 3 months. This includes all PPG meetings. This is in line with National NHSE and CCG approaches. This will help to ensure that people only visit the surgery when clinically required protecting the public and staff from unnecessary increased risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus
At present we are no more at risk than any other practice or organisation this is simply a preventative measure.”
Many have ask me different senerio’s of the CORVID-19 – I am just as reliant of the offical information being given by all different agencies and am happy to post any new developments as they happen.
Whittlesey Neighbourhood Watch have cancelled the next planned meeting – I might suggest that ‘ALL’ community groups carry out a ‘risk assessment’ as to whether their meetings are required or can be put on hold.
| In light of the evolving circumstances surrounding the worldwide Coronavirus outbreak and recent government advice we have decided to cancel our next Whittlesey Neighbourhood Watch meeting on 23rd March. It is prudent to put the protection of your health and well-being above the need to meet at this time. We are entering a period when Neighbourhood Watch coordinators will be a vital support to the professional agencies which may come under considerable pressure. You will be ideally placed in your communities to guide your neighbours through the next few weeks. To help you I am designing a help sheet which I hope will give you some consistent and fact checked advice on how to help your community and will send this out to you as soon as I have all the information I need. As always our greatest strength is to work together. If you are unsure of how to deal with a situation please ask for advice. If we are not able to give an answer, we have excellent support from a number of professional agencies that we can refer to for help. Kind Regards Robin |
