As the holiday season approaches, we at The Cyber Helpline are reminded of the incredible power of community, generosity, and courage. This year, one of our amazing supporters, Anya Bridges, is taking on a challenge that embodies all three.

The Home Office has introduced new guidance aimed at strengthening protections for stalking victim-survivors in England and Wales. Under the updated measures, police will be required to inform individuals if they uncover the identity of a stalker, including those operating anonymously online. Additionally, stalking protection orders will be toughened to prevent convicted stalkers from contacting their victims while in prison.

Cybercrime and online harms are rapidly evolving, impacting millions annually in England and Wales alone. Recognising the complexity and urgency of these issues, The Cyber Helpline has undertaken a thorough analysis to examine the critical gaps in the processes of reporting, investigation, and prosecution faced by victims. Drawing on our data and insights from across England and Wales, we explore the journey of victims from the initial impact through to potential prosecution.

The recent updates to the blocking feature on X (formerly Twitter) have sparked significant concerns about user safety and privacy, particularly regarding stalking. These changes now permit blocked users to view posts but prevent them from engaging, such as liking, commenting, or sharing.

When we think of insider threats, we often picture cybercriminals or disgruntled employees trying to break into a business. But there is a more personal, hidden danger lurking in the shadows of our daily lives—our own partners or, in most cases, ex-partners. In the heart of a relationship, trust is woven into every aspect of our lives. We share passwords, accounts, devices, and even locations without a second thought, but what happens when that trust is broken, when love turns to loss?

In our recent webinar, "Myth-Busting Cyberstalking," hosted by The Cyber Helpline and Paladin, we tackled common misconceptions about stalking. Misunderstandings around stalking can put victims at risk, so our goal was to debunk harmful myths and provide guidance on handling such situations safely. Here’s a rundown of the eight myths we covered, along with insights from our panel of experts.

We are excited to announce that Jonathan Freedman has joined The Cyber Helpline as our new Head of Information Security. With over two decades of experience in Information Technology, Enterprise Architecture, and Cybersecurity, Jonathan is dedicated to safeguarding the digital landscape. He currently serves as the Head of Information Security at London law firm Howard Kennedy, where he leads the Cybersecurity Team.

As the digital world continues to grow, so do the threats within it. Cybercrime is no longer just an online inconvenience—it’s a serious issue affecting real lives, families, and communities. In recognition of Cyber Awareness Month this October, The Cyber Helpline is launching a crucial campaign to raise £50,000 to expand and enhance our vital services for victims of online harm.

London, UK, September 24th, 2024 – We are thrilled to announce that The Cyber Helpline has emerged victorious at this year’s National Cyber Awards, securing three prestigious awards! For the fourth year in a row, we have been honored as the Not-for-Profit Cyber Award winner, alongside recognition for individual achievements, including the Alan Turing Award (Rory Innes) and the Cyber Student of the Year Award (Alex Hardy).

Online gaming has become a global phenomenon, connecting millions of people worldwide and providing endless hours of entertainment. However, with its growing popularity comes a set of unique challenges, including the increasing risk of scams. From phishing emails to in-game item scams, these threats are becoming more sophisticated, targeting players of all ages and skill levels. Falling victim to such scams can result in financial loss, compromised accounts, and even damage to your device.