A CAMPAIGN aimed at tackling the scourge of cyber-crime was launched today.

The Home Office  'Cyber Streetwise' campaign aims to change the way people view online safety and provide the public and businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to take control of their cyber security.

It includes a new easy-to-use website and online videos.

People are encouraged to protect themselves and their families online by visiting the website at www.cyberstreetwise.com for tips and advice.

Security Minister James Brokenshire said: "The internet has radically changed the way we work and socialise.

"It has created a wealth of opportunities, but with these opportunities there are also threats.

"As a government we are taking the fight to cyber criminals wherever they are in the world.

"However, by taking a few simple steps while online the public can keep cyber criminals out and their information safe."

The launch of the campaign is part of the Home Office's National Cyber Security Programme and comes at a time when an increasing number of people use the web on laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Findings from the Home Office's most recent National Cyber Security Consumer Tracker suggest more than half the population are not taking simple actions to protect themselves online.

Businesses, especially small to medium size enterprises (SMEs), are at risk too.

Gary Fairley from the Scottish Business Resilience Centre said: "There has been a shift in cyber criminals' attention towards SMEs in the last year or so and it's important businesses take the threat seriously."