North Wales Police Cyber Crime expert shares latest advice for businesses

Businesses across North Wales are being urged to remain vigilant against cyber crime, which continues to pose a significant threat to companies and organisations across the region.

To help tackle the issue, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and North Wales Police (NWP) are launching a campaign to raise awareness and provide advice on safeguarding businesses and avoiding crime.

Cyber crime remains a significant challenge for businesses, with criminal activity ranging from phishing scams to complex fraud schemes that can drain company accounts and damage reputations.

NWP Cyber Detective Constable Roheryn Evans has highlighted the two most common cybercrime tactics being used against businesses in 2025:

Diversion fraud occurs when criminals impersonate legitimate business contacts, claiming they’ve changed payment details or requesting urgent transactions. These fraudsters create highly convincing communications – emails, calls, or letters that appear genuine, often using real company logos, signatures, and even previously used invoices. While the provided bank accounts are real, they’re controlled by criminals who quickly transfer and disappear with the funds. To protect against this fraud, businesses should take time to verify all payment changes by contacting companies through known, previously verified phone numbers – not those provided in the potentially fraudulent communication.

Ransomware is a particularly severe threat that has impacted several businesses and organisations in North Wales. This malicious software can infiltrate entire computer networks through various means, including phishing emails, compromised websites, or insecure internet connections. Once activated, ransomware allows criminals to steal sensitive data, including confidential client files and employee information, before encrypting the victim’s systems. Criminals then demand payment for decryption, often following up with threats to publish stolen data if additional ransoms aren’t paid – a tactic known as double extortion. Prevention is crucial, with basic security measures like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular staff phishing awareness training proving effective.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin stated: “Cyber crime can have a devastating impact on businesses, leading to significant financial losses and damaging confidence within the community. That’s why I have made it a priority to support businesses over the next three years. By working closely with North Wales Police, we aim to tackle and prevent these crimes, ensuring our local economy is safe.”

NWP Cyber Detective Constable Roheryn Evans said: “The evolving nature of cyber crime means businesses need to stay alert and take proactive steps to protect themselves and following these security measures is essential in today’s digital world. If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to cyber crime, don’t hesitate to contact North Wales Police immediately. The sooner we’re involved, the better chance we have of helping you and preventing others from becoming victims.”

North Wales Police recommends five key security measures for both business and personal protection: use strong 15+ character passwords made of three random words, enable two-factor authentication, back up data regularly, install device updates promptly, and utilise a password manager.

North Wales Police is urging businesses to get in touch whenever they have concerns about cyber crime or suspect fraudulent activity.

Suspicious activity can be reported by calling 101 or via Action Fraud, the UK’s main reporting point for fraud and cyber crime.

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber attack (in progress), call 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Businesses can also use the live chat feature on the North Wales Police website for non-urgent inquiries: https://www.northwales.police.uk/police-forces/north-wales-police/areas/live-chat/

North Wales Police encourages businesses to utilise free resources such as the National Cyber Security Centre’s Early Warning system and Police Cyber Alarm to help reduce their vulnerability to attacks.