On 10 February 2026 the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Cyber Protect Team launched a targeted digital safety drive to help Portsmouth’s voluntary sector defend itself against online criminals. The force is offering a free Cyber Resilience Toolkit — distributed via the Hampshire Alert messaging system — to help charities, neighbourhood watch coordinators and other community groups protect contact lists and other sensitive information.
The resource includes practical guides and phishing simulations to help people spot fake emails, plus email security guidance and data-protection templates for non-technical users. It aims to stop scammers exploiting trusted local networks by using a compromised account to send fraudulent messages to residents.
The toolkit was created in partnership with the South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC) and is being distributed through Hampshire Alert. Group leaders can download step-by-step action plans and sign up for police-led webinars designed to be easy to use for people without technical backgrounds.
Portsmouth Neighbourhood Watch members and coordinators in areas including Southsea, Fratton and Cosham are being encouraged to use the tools. By securing their email accounts and member data, volunteers can reduce the risk that the information they share with neighbours will be abused by fraudsters.
The programme follows a documented rise in computer misuse and cyber incidents in recent years and local attacks that highlighted vulnerabilities. The force says the toolkit is intended to give community groups practical, no-cost options to improve digital security without having to commission paid professional services.
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