DEVON and Somerset Trading Standards Service is hosting a free event in October to help businesses protect themselves against digital threats.

Digital crime can affect any business which uses a computer or communicates digitally with customers or suppliers.

If your business uses email, online banking and internet marketing your business could potentially be at risk from cyber rogues.

Trading standards wants to give local businesses the tools to protect themselves against online scammers by informing them on the ways they could be targeted and what to look out for.

The event is aimed at small and medium sized businesses but open to all is being held at Sandy Park, Exeter on October 13, from 9am to 12pm.

It will focus on business protection, giving information on the latest types of fraud, how to recognise them and, most importantly, how to protect your business.

Guest speakers include Devon & Cornwall Police, Barclays Bank and the South West Cyber Security Cluster.

Cllr Roger Croad responsibility for Trading Standards said: “This is an area which poses a great risk to business both in terms of economic growth and when it comes to business reputation.

“It is very important that businesses understand the risks to them, and take action to minimise the chance of falling victim to the latest tricks and scams and suffering huge financial losses.”

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet responsible for Trading Standards, said: “Time is often very precious for hard working local businesses, but taking a morning to familiarise yourself with digital crime and how it can target you could save you precious time and money in the long run.”

Places are free, but they are limited, so for more information and to reserve a space please click here.