05/10/21 - Donegal Joint Policing Committee Cyber Awareness Week 5th-12th October 2021

From left to right - Detective Inspector Brian Halligan (Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau),  Goretti Sheridan, (Superintendent An Garda Siochana), Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle (Chairperson Donegal Joint Policing Committee), Cllr. Jack Murray (Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council), John G. McLaughlin (Chief Executive Donegal County Council) at the launch of Cyber Awareness Week‌

Donegal Joint Policing Committee are holding a Cyber Awareness Week from 5^th to 12^th October 2021 in response to the growing threat of cybercrime arising from our ever increasing use of technology.

The purpose of the week is to highlight the steps people need to take to stay safe and secure online, to provide information and resources to guide people on Cyber Awareness and to remind everyone of the role we all play in online safety and security.

Clr Gerry McMonagle, Chairperson of the JPC, said “Every one of us has an ever expanding digital footprint across a range of devices and accounts, at home, at work or at school.  The consequences of not being cyber aware can have a detrimental impact on our finances, our security, our mental health and the lives of others.”

“I am delighted to launch this inaugural JPC Cyber Awareness Week and on behalf of the Donegal JPC, I wish to acknowledge the co-operation and support received from Healthy Ireland Fund, An Garda Siochana, Donegal ETB, Donegal Youth Council, Foroige, Donegal Youth Service and the Older Peoples Council, in helping to make the week possible.”

The week will include the following

• Social media and advertising campaign with the theme ‘All that glitters is not Gold’ funded through the Healthy Ireland Fund, which was devised, produced and recorded by young people from Foroige, Donegal Youth Service and Donegal Youth Council. 

• A Cyber Awareness Poster Campaign, sponsored by the Older Persons Council, circulated throughout the Community by Community Gardai.

• A Dedicated Webpage - which provides information and links to supports available on all aspects of Cyber Awareness is available at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/community/jointpolicingcommittee/cyber%20awareness%20week%202021/

John McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council stated “Donegal JPC Cyber Awareness Week is a wonderful example of how the three pillars of partnership - Elected Representatives, local communities and An Garda Siochana -  working together can help to tackle a growing problem facing all of the people of the county through the provision of support, information and advice.   Cybercrime is a growing problem across every community and greatly affects the enjoyment of using electronic devices by many of our citizens.   It is hoped that cyber awareness week will help raise awareness and offer supports to help tackle this issue throughout our communities.”

Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn, Divisional Officer for the Donegal Division said “An Garda Síochána are happy to work with our partners in the Donegal JPC on this initiative”.