Charities are at risk of "underestimating" online fraud, according to a new survey from the Charity Commission.

The survey, published on 14 October, shows that around one in eight charities (12%) has experienced cybercrime in the past year.

More charities were exposed to the risk of cybercrime during the Covid-19 pandemic after being forced to move operations and fundraising online. The larger the charity's digital footprint, the more vulnerable they are to online fraud.

The survey also found that many charities lack awareness of the risks they face online. Only 24% of charities had a formal policy in place to manage the risk of cybercrime, while just 55% said that cyber security was high on their priority list.

The Charity Commission is advising charities on steps they can take to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

Precautions include changing passwords regularly, making backups of data and ensuring any antivirus software is up to date.

Sir David Green CB KC from the fraud advisory panel said:

"Fraud is the UK's most commonly experienced crime, and much of it is committed online. Therefore, it is essential that charities take the security of their systems, information, people and money seriously."

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