THE impact of cyber crime on Isle of Wight groups such as commuters and children travelling to school was the subject of an exercise in Ryde earlier this month.

On Monday, October 4, and Tuesday, October 5, an interactive session was run by the Emergency Planning College in conjunction with the Cyber Security Branch of the Cabinet Office.

More than 50 people from Hampshire Constabulary, the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), the Isle of Wight Council, and Hovertravel attended.

They looked at organisational responses to cyber-related incidents and how to boost competence and confidence.

As scenarios unfolded, teams were asked to consider the developing situation from strategic, operational and communications perspectives.

The exercise concluded that there was a good collaborative, multi-agency response.

It also highlighted that a difficult balance needed to be struck between investigative and business needs within dynamic situations.

Chief Inspector Steve Swift, who oversees policing on the Isle of Wight, said: “Cyber crime is an increasingly common crime type, and exercises like this test our plans and ensure that we have a solid response by working with relevant partner agencies.

“By highlighting the risks that can be posed in the digital domain and the real world consequences of these, I believe the officers that took part now have a far greater understanding of the complexities of the response that is needed to tackle cyber crime, as well as a greater awareness of the signs to look out for to better identify a potential cyber attack.”

Businesses can explore how prepared they are for a cyber security incident via this free toolbox ncsc.gov.uk/information/exercise-in-a-box

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said: “Cyber crime is a threat which can have serious impacts on all businesses and individuals. This exercise created the opportunity for attendees to sense-check their approaches and highlighted several opportunities for organisations to develop stronger partnerships with enhanced communications links."

For more information about how to stay safe online, visit hampshire.police.uk/CYBERCRIME