PC Ethan Lang has been appointed as the new Cyber Protect Officer, tackling cyber awareness and safety across the East Midlands.

PC Lang joined the force in 2018 after working in various jobs since leaving school but becoming an officer was "his first proper job" and one that he has not looked back on.

His passion for all things 'techy' has now resulted in him becoming the force's new Cyber Protect officer based in the Cybercrime unit.

When Ethan joined the force, he worked in various roles including response, prisoner management and as a neighbourhood policing officer.

Ethan had always been interested in technology and when the role in the cybercrime unit was advertised internally he knew that was the next career path he wanted to take.

Part of Ethan's role will involve raising awareness of cybercrime how educating people on how they can protect themselves from online threats.

Cybercrime is an umbrella term for different types of crimes which either take place online or where technology is a means and/or target for the attack.

It is one of the fastest growing criminal activities across the world, and can affect both individuals and businesses.

Not all the reports relate to fraudulent activity, where the purpose is to obtain large sums of money, some of the reports the team deal with may relate to social media accounts being hacked to steal identities or where individuals have been targeted within a domestic situation.

The crimes can be seen as people stealing a few passwords, causing a few computers to break, messaging people online. But the truth is that these crimes cause incredible distress to people who lose their Facebook, Instagram, email accounts. And from there their identities might be used to commit further offences of fraud or theft. Their accounts can sometimes be used to share offensive images or abusive messages.

Businesses suffer from hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage every year – on top of the millions extorted from attacked businesses through ransom demands. Small businesses collapse under the costs of repairing the damage caused, or through losing their online presence. Local authorities could be denied access to records to help them protect vulnerable people across the county.

The Policing and Cyber teams getting out in the community (image courtesy of Leicestershire Police).

Recently Ethan and members of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit cyber team carried out a cybercrime awareness event at Fosse Park during the Black Friday weekend. More than 300 people visited the stand and were offered advice on how to shop safely online and raise their awareness of the current online threats.

PC Ethan Lang, said: "From an early age I have been interested in technology and loved learning new things. The very nature of my role means that I will constantly be learning and raising my own awareness of the ever-evolving threats people face online. 

"It's a very complex area of work and, at times, immensely challenging. I love the fact I am now using my interest in this area to help others and reduce their chances of falling victim to cybercrime.

"As well as advising individuals, myself and the team will visit businesses who are concerned about their companies' safety online, identifying any weaknesses in their systems and make them aware of the current threats online.

"I have been in this new role for a couple months and I hope that I can make a difference and support the work the unit currently does to protect others."