Businesses in Ayrshire are being urged to sign up to a free digital tool which monitors threats from cyber criminals.

Police CyberAlarm also helps businesses who are part of the scheme to understand and monitor malicious cyber activity.

Members of the scheme benefit from regular reports showing suspicious and potentially malicious attack activity on their firewall and internet gateway.

The report also details how the business is being attacked and from where, in order that they can improve their cyber resilience.

The Police CyberAlarm also assists officers identify current threats and take enforcement action against cybercriminals.

Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett said: “People and businesses are spending more and more time online and it is almost impossible to trade without a computer network or website.

“The threat from cybercriminals is now ever present and Police Scotland’s priority is to keep everyone safe, and that incudes in the digital world.

"This is even more important with criminals continuing to use any method at their disposal to exploit vulnerabilities.

“Cyber security should be a priority for every business. There has never been a more appropriate time to make use of any system that can make them more cyber resilient.

“I would urge businesses to take the opportunity to sign up to the Police CyberAlarm scheme.”

Since its launch, the scheme has identified over a billion potential suspicious events resulting in reports and advice being given to members.

Businesses can sign up and become a member of the Police CyberAlarm scheme at https://cyberalarm.police.uk.