THE PSNI and Ulster University have launched a special course to help those who are interested in gaining a better understanding of how to stay safe online.

The 5-week course, entitled “Cybersafe”, is designed to provide participants with an awareness of cyber crime and what it entails as well as highlighting the tools and support available to everyone to stay safe in the virtual world.

Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, from the PSNI’s Cyber Crime Centre, has been involved in developing the course and will deliver some of the content.

He explained: “We all deserve to be able to use the internet to learn, explore and connect with each other however we also need to be aware that there are risks associated with our online activity.

“Cyber crime, in its various forms, is increasing in Northern Ireland. This course will help highlight what cyber crime is and what the risks are. It will also equip participants with the knowledge they need to protect themselves online.

“I am delighted to be working closely with Ulster University to deliver this course and I am confident the participants will be more informed about the risks they face online and the steps they can take to protect themselves.

Ursula Donnelly, Academic Programme Leader, from Ulster University, added: “By partnering with the PSNI Cyber Crime Centre and drawing on their expertise and experiences, we have been able to develop a unique course which combines strategies to stay safe online with real life case studies of cyber crimes which have happened in Northern Ireland.”

Detective Chief Inspector Grant said it was important that everyone took some simple steps to stay safe online.

He added: “I would encourage everyone who goes onto the internet for whatever reason to think about their online behaviour and ensure that they do everything they can to protect themselves.

“Simple measures such as limiting the amount of personal information shared on social media platforms, using anti-virus software and keeping that software up-to-date can help to prevent online crime.”

Those participating in this course will attend 5 two hour sessions: Cyber crime, Social Networking, Cyber Abuse, Digital Reputation and Poster Submission.

The first course commenced last week (Wednesday 27th) with members of the Northern Ireland Somali Association at the South Belfast Social Enterprise Hub.

A second course will start today, Tuesday, February 2,at the Conway Education Centre, Belfast, with more course planned over the coming months.

If you are interested in attending, or for further information, please contact Lorraine Lavery-Bowen, Adult Education Manager at Ulster University on 02890 366695 or l.lavery-bowen@ulster.ac.uk