Renfrewshire Council

Online fraud is now the most common crime and its impact on individuals as well as organisations and the people they serve can be devastating and long lasting. We have seen other public sector organisations suffer major cyber-attacks affecting their digital systems, websites and information assets.

And that's why we need everyone to know how to stay safe online and keep the Council and our communities safe from cyber-crime.

What to do

Please complete our mandatory cyber security iLearn course immediately if you have not already done so.

If you spot an unusual email in your inbox:

• DELETE it - It's essential that you DELETE anything you find suspicious immediately
• DON'T forward the email to anyone
• DON'T click on any links
• DON'T open any attachments

If you do click on a suspicious link and realise you have made a mistake, your response should be as simple as A, B, C, D:

• Always stay calm, stop what you are doing, pull out the network cable and put machine into flight mode.
• Begin to collect information about the email/link.
• Contact the Service Desk as soon as possible for guidance on 0141 487 0000.
• Don't forward the email to anyone, even ICT (unless further asked to). Take a screen shot instead using 'Print Scrn' on keyboard or with snipping tool to send.

Following these steps immediately is crucial in helping us to minimise any potential damage or danger to our network. The sooner you contact us the sooner we can help.

It's important that you don't send any emails when this happens as you may be at risk of increasing the threat level and spreading a virus to others.  

Explore and complete the other courses that are available on iLearn about cyber security. These will help you better understand how to keep yourself and the Council safe online. In particular, Cyber Security: Top tips for staff and Passphrases and security.

Go to the National Cyber Security Centre for lots of information and resources to help you learn how to protect yourself online. They have quick start guides for everyone including individuals and families as well as a section with guidance for schools and public sector employees. We recommend checking out their guidance on phishing scams to help you learn how to stay safe when using email.

Visit the RenSafeOnline website for additional information and resources to help you stay aware of current threats and keep you and your family safe online.

Published on Wednesday 12 July 2023