20/06/25  News and information is emerging, but not all at once strangely, of the above. We're delving further but decided to give you a 'heads up' and suggest you ensure your already existing best practice of changing passwords is actively pursued urgently. We have found that Headlines are saying: Were Facebook, Google, and Apple passwords leaked? With a dataset containing 16 billion passwords, that’s equivalent to two leaked accounts for every person on the planet. Nobody really knows how many duplicate records there are, as the leak comes from multiple datasets. However, some reporting by other media outlets can be quite misleading. Some claim that Facebook, Google, and Apple credentials were leaked. While that can’t completely be dismissed, such claims are felt to be somewhat inaccurate. Huge datasets of passwords spill onto the dark web all the time, highlighting the need to change them regularly. This also demonstrates just how weak our passwords still are. Last yea...

  Thu 19 Jun, 25    Repeated below is the AMBER warning Heat health alert for information and action. Apart from: 1. having robust policy in place on sunscreen/shade/protective clothing and hats/ventilation/breaks and hydration, and 2. thinking carefully about those with medical conditions  we are advising sports days need to be held early morning in such conditions, or postponed. Heat health alert updated for the South West The amber heat health alert is in effect from 12PM on 19/06/2025 until 9AM on 23/06/2025 across the South West . The amber alert has a matrix score of 12. This means: Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including: a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups likely increased demand on all health and social care services internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exce...

  Critical Update With thanks to our NPs the S W Cyber Resilience Centre, we bring you their updated advice. Please pay close attention to it, regardless that it flows from the attacks on the retail sector. The approach taken can be applied anywhere! The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a critical warning following a wave of cyber attacks on major UK retailers including M&S, Co-op and Harrods. These incidents appear to involve criminals impersonating IT help desks to trick staff into revealing login credentials, a technique known as social engineering.   We’re issuing this urgent message to all SWCRC members to raise awareness and encourage immediate action.   What’s happening?   A group calling itself DragonForce has contacted the BBC to claim responsibility for recent breaches. Their tactics include:        •     Phoning IT staff pretending to be locked-out employees       •     Calling or messaging staff pretending to be from internal IT h...