Merseyside Police Tackles Cyber Threats with Free Security Tool

Merseyside Police has released a new video highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime and showcasing Police CyberAlarm, a free police-backed cyber security tool designed to protect businesses, charities and public sector organisations across the UK.

The video release coincides with October's Cyber Security Awareness Month, reinforcing the message that cyber security is everyone's responsibility and collective defence creates stronger protection for all.

High-profile cyberattacks on major UK businesses have highlighted the vulnerability of organisations across all sectors, revealing how cybercriminals can disrupt essential services, compromise sensitive data and inflict significant financial damage.

The threat extends equally to smaller organisations, with many small and medium enterprises struggling to implement adequate protection due to budget constraints and limited technical expertise.

In 2024, there were 682 reported cybercrimes in Merseyside alone. Whilst this may not sound significant, a national survey* found the most disruptive attacks cost businesses an average of £8,000 and charities over £21,000, with 43% of UK businesses hit by cyberattacks in the past year. Police believe many crimes go unreported, suggesting the true scale is far greater.

Detective Sergeant Danny Gavin of Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit said: "Cybercrime affects organisations of every size, and defending against it requires a collective approach.

“We have produced the new video to be shown during cybercrime prevention talks delivered by our cyber investigators. Our aim is to help organisations in Merseyside learn how Police CyberAlarm can improve their cyber defences, and that it is free to use.”

Police CyberAlarm is provided by the National Cybercrime Team – a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) programme team hosted by City of London Police – to provide free comprehensive security monitoring through a collaborative defence network. The product is installed as a secure virtual server that monitors threats passively without disrupting operations or accessing sensitive data. When police cybercrime units discover emerging threats and vulnerabilities, all relevant members receive immediate alerts – enabling organisations to protect their systems before criminals strike.

Andrew Richmond, National Coordinator for Police CyberAlarm said: “Merseyside Police is showing the power of local action in tackling a global threat. Cybercrime continues to rise, but with tools like Police CyberAlarm, organisations here in Merseyside, and across the country, can strengthen their defences at no cost.

“This initiative is backed nationally because the intelligence it gathers not only protects individual members, but also builds a stronger, collective picture that helps law enforcement stay ahead of emerging threats. By working together, we can make the UK one of the hardest places in the world for cybercriminals to operate.”

The new video features West Kirby Grammar School, an early adopter of Police CyberAlarm in Merseyside, whose experience has encouraged other Merseyside organisations to join the protective network. Their IT Systems Administrator discusses the straightforward installation process, and the valuable threat intelligence reports they receive.

Detective Sergeant Gavin added: “We encourage all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to register for Police CyberAlarm membership. The more organisations that participate, the stronger the UK's collective cyber defences become.”

You can find the video on Merseyside Police's website atwww.merseyside.police.uk/cyberalarm, along with information about Police CyberAlarm's features and benefits.

To register for free Police CyberAlarm membership, visitcyberalarm.police.uk/register.

*The national survey figures are from: The Cyber Breaches Survey – April 2025, by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).