Efforts are intensifying to quell the threat of cyber criminals causing chaos for businesses in Cumbria.

Crimefighters are joining forces with company chiefs to champion critical safety measures to stop hackers and conmen cashing in on vulnerable firms.

Carlisle Ambassadors, Cumbria Police and the county's police and crime commissioner are hosting a special Get Safe Online event to raise awareness.

It will feature a number of security experts talking at The Halston, Carlisle, between 10am and 12pm on September 28.

They will highlight how businesses can protect themselves from cyber attack following a string of high-profile cases.

Mark Webster, Cumbria's assistant chief constable, said: "Cyber-crime is an increasingly evolving problem and it is important that we educate the public in order to prevent them from becoming victims.

"Businesses are integral to our community and we look forward to this event which will hopefully equip them with the knowledge needed to protect them from cyber-crime.”

Crime commissioner Peter McCall added: "We all will have seen the recent reports of ransomware affecting businesses and organisations. Business people have asked what they need to do to protect their business from cybercrime or improve information security."