Here’s what’s been happening in the last month in our Westhoughton Neighbourhood Watch area Cyber Hood Watch – Community Update We’re pleased to share the latest update from our Cyber Hood Watch, working together to keep our online spaces safe, informed, and supportive. Our mission is to help residents stay alert to online risks, share useful information, and support one another in preventing cybercrime. Whether it’s phishing attempts, account security, or online scams, your awareness makes a real difference. Firstly, we’d like to thank everyone who has reported suspicious messages, scam emails, fake accounts, and unsafe links. By staying alert and warning others, you’re helping protect the wider community. Recent Cyber Activity • Increased reports of phishing emails and text messages pretending to be banks, delivery companies, or service providers • Scam links circulating on social media and messaging apps • Fake accounts attempting to impersonate local businesses or trusted contacts • Reminder: no legitimate organisation will ask for passwords or one ‑ time codes Prevention Advice • Do not click on unknown or unexpected links • Never share passwords or verification codes • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two ‑ factor authentication • Report suspicious activity to the platform and warn others Monthly Newsletter CYBERHOOD WATCH 31/ 0 1/ 2 6 ISSUE #1 Community Action Through Cyber Hood Watch, members are encouraged to: • Share verified alerts • Report scams promptly • Support those affected by online fraud • Promote safe digital habits By working together, we can reduce online risks and create a safer digital environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued support and vigilance. Cyber Hood Watch Team Community News 📍 Bolton Council & Greater Manchester cyber history • In August , a cyber incident affected social housing systems in Bolton Council, along with neighbouring councils (Manchester and Salford) — disrupting access and potentially exposing residents to phishing and scam emails tied to the outage • The North West Cyber Resilience Centre (which supports Greater Manchester/Cheshire/Lancashire firms) issued guidance warning that cyber breaches — especially phishing attacks — remain very common. Many small local businesses lack measures such as multi‐factor authentication or VPNs. ➡ This affects Bolton/Westhoughton small firms and residents’ digital safety even if there isn’t a specific local “hack” currently in the headlines. Volunteer Spotlight Dr. Claudia Natanson MBE – Chair, UK Cyber Security Council A British cybersecurity leader recognized for her influence on the profession, policy advice, and efforts to shape standards and training for cyber professionals. Volunteer Spotlight Ciaran Martin – Founding CEO of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) He recommended creating the NCSC within GCHQ and led it from its inception, helping make the UK a global leader in coordinated national cyber defense.