Rutland Neighbourhood Watch is urging county residents to learn how to become safer online.

Leicestershire Police is staging an online seminar next month raising awareness of the risks out in cyberspace.

The event follows many reports of increased fraud since the start of the pandemic, which has fuelled many warnings, including one this week concerning Covid-19 vaccinations, as previously reported by Nub News.

Cyber Protect Officer Sam Hancock said: "As cybercrime and fraud continues to rise, and with Safer Inter Day just around the corner, we are inviting residents across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to join us as we host a webinar to raise cyber awareness and resilience, helping everyone to become safer online.

"Are you are interested in finding out more about protecting your accounts, using social media safely, online banking and shopping, keeping children safe online and understanding more about fraud and scams to help you win the battle against cyber criminals?"

This is a non-tech session and will cover :

Device safety/protection

Password Guidance and account security

Protecting your Personal Information

Using social Media safely

Risks of free or public WiFi

Social Engineering and phishing emails/texts

Telephone and Letterbox Scams

Where to report

Online shopping & Online Banking safely

Keeping youngsters safe online – advice re home-schooling

Safer Internet Day – Using tech responsibly, respectfully, critically & creatively

The sessions will also feature signposting to further sources of support and resources.

Sam added: "There's something for everyone, advice to help keep parents, youngsters and grandparents safe!"

To book a place on one of the free webinars, people are asked to book through Eventbrite using the links below :

Tues 9th Feb 1830

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/136800167985

Thurs 11th Feb 1530

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/137412521551

The two events will contain the same content, allowing people to choose the most convenient time for them.