THE latest government statistics from Ipsos MORI, show that only 35 per cent of people in the South West are following Government’s latest advice to use strong passwords made up of three random words.

It is, according to the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), one the most important actions people can take to protect themselves from cybercrime.

It says cybercrime is a growing national issue, according to ONS (Office of National Statistics) figures an estimated two million cybercrime offences were committed last year.

A weak password can allow hackers to use email to gain access to all personal accounts, leaving individuals vulnerable to identity theft or fraud.

The Government’s cyber security campaign, Cyber Aware, is urging people and businesses in Devon and Cornwall to #ThinkRandom when it comes to creating strong passwords.

A spokesperson from the National Cyber Security Centre said: “Our research shows that the best way to make a password memorable and strong is to use three random words.

“It doesn’t matter what inspires you - from watching sport to going out for a bite to eat, thinking random is the best way to keep yourself secure online.

“Your most important accounts are your email, social media and online banking accounts, so it’s important to use strong, separate passwords for each of these.”

With 30 per cent of people in the South West saying they have shared their passwords with other people, Cyber Aware is also reminding people to keep their passwords secret.

Security Minister, Ben Wallace, said: “Tackling cybercrime not only requires a concerted response from law enforcement and Government but also vigilance from members of the public. While the Government will invest £1.9 billion in cyber security over the next few years, we can all make a difference and protect ourselves from cybercrime by taking some very simple steps, such as using three random words to create a strong password.”

Lynn Farrar, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “It’s increasingly important to protect yourself against cybercrime. We are all at risk and we’re keen to encourage as many people as possible to #ThinkRandom and use strong passwords made up of three random words.

“It’s such an easy way to protect yourself, your family and your community, against hackers who are looking to steal your identity and commit cybercrimes.”

Detective Sergeant Alex Dawson from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Digital Crime Unit, said: “The easiest way to create a strong, memorable password is to use three random words.

“Traditional thinking was that a really strong password was long with lots of symbols, numbers and capital letters.  These are quite secure passwords but they’re hard to remember and people tend to choose weak passwords instead or compromise them by writing them down.”

The Cyber Aware campaign (formerly Cyber Streetwise) is funded by the National Cyber Security Programme (NCSP) and was launched in 2014 with the objective of providing individuals and small businesses with the knowledge to take control of their cyber security and help protect themselves from cyber criminals.

Cybercrime is a serious threat to the UK and the Government is taking action to increase public awareness of the risk.

The Government will invest £1.9 billion to significantly transform the UK’s cyber security. NCSP will support the aims of the 2016 National Cyber Security Strategy over the next five years and reflects the importance the Government places on robust cyber security for the UK.

The NCSC, which began its first day of operations on Monday, October 3, incorporates CESG, CERT-UK, the Centre for Cyber Assessment (CCA) and cyber-related aspects of the Centre for Protecting National Infrastructure (CPNI).

In addition to providing guidance, the NCSC will actively protect the UK from a range of cyber threats and will coordinate responses to cyber security incidents.

To find out more visit: cyberaware.gov.uk/passwords .

Alan Quick