Apprentices took part in an informative session delivered by the Cyber Protect Officer from the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, alongside a colleague from the Fraud Team. The session focused on raising awareness about online safety, cybercrime, and fraud, particularly how these issues affect young people.
Throughout the session, they learned the importance of maintaining strong, secure passwords and changing them regularly to protect accounts. Also reminded to be cautious when sharing personal information online, as cybercriminals can exploit this data. A key message was the danger of sending money or bank details to others, even if they appear trustworthy. The officers highlighted how scammers often manipulate people into believing they are legitimate, making it essential to think carefully before acting. 
One of the main topics discussed was money muling. This involves someone allowing their bank account to be used to transfer illegal money on behalf of others. We learned that this is a serious criminal offence, and anyone involved could face consequences such as having their bank account frozen or permanently closed. The session also showed how young people are often targeted for this activity without fully understanding the risks.
Apprentices also participated in an engaging, interactive activity where they worked in teams to solve clues and identify passwords in order to access a laptop. Their task was to gather evidence and prove that our “boss” had been framed. This activity helped us develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, while also demonstrating how cyber investigators collect digital evidence and how easily weak passwords can be hacked.