Data from Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, shows that 22,530 people reported that their online accounts had been hacked in 2023, with victims losing a total of £1.3 million.

How are accounts hacked?

On-platform chain hacking

This is when a fraudster gains control of an account and begins to impersonate the legitimate owner. The goal is to convince people to reveal authentication codes that are sent to them via text. Many victims of this type of hacking believe it’s a friend messaging them, however the shared code was associated with their own account and the impersonator can now use it to access their account. Usually when an account is taken over, fraudsters monetise control of the account via the promotion of various fraudulent schemes, while impersonating the original account owner. 

Leaked passwords and phishing

The other predominant method of hacking reported is leaked information used from data breaches, such as leaked passwords, or account details gained via phishing scams. This becomes prevalent as people often use the same password for multiple accounts, so a leaked password from one website can leave many of their online accounts vulnerable to hacking. 

How to secure your accounts 

• Use a strong and different password for your email and social media accounts. Your email and social media passwords should be strong and different from all your other passwords. Combining three random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
• Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email and social media accounts. 2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can't access your email or social media account. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password. You won't be asked for this every time you check your email or social media.

If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.

If you receive a suspicious email, you can report it by forwarding the email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: Gov.uk/stopthinkfraud

Our full time firefighter recruitment window is opening on Thursday 29 August and we are looking to recruit people who reflect and identify with all our communities across Cheshire.

We are looking to recruit a new cohort of full time firefighters who will begin their training at the end of March 2025.

Changing lives, saving lives, every day is different

If you’re passionate about changing lives and want to contribute to saving lives by reducing the risk of incidents, then being a firefighter is definitely the role for you.

The Service doesn't just fight fires and rescue people. In fact, only around five per cent of a firefighter’s time is spent attending incidents. They are actively involved in their communities, carrying out prevention work to reduce the chance of fires happening in the first place, delivering road safety campaigns to reduce the number of road traffic collisions and working closely with young people through programmes such as The Prince’s Trust Team, Fire Cadets and Respect courses.

As a firefighter, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference within your community, working as part of a team and enjoying a varied career. Other benefits include working in an environment where the health, safety and wellbeing of staff are key priorities, coupled with generous family friendly policies, a range of staff networks, buddying scheme and opportunities to apply for flexible working arrangements.

For more information and full details on the recruitment process please visit our website https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/jobs/wholetime-firefighter/