The Cyber Helpline
2065. Rory Innes
Rory Innes, from York, is a cyber security expert who created ‘The Cyber Helpline’, a free confidential helpline run by volunteers which has supported over 35,000 people who have been victims of cyber crime and online harm.
Using his experience in cyber security, Rory identified a way to improve the support for cyber crime victims and launched ‘The Cyber Helpline’ in 2018. The charity supports victims through the process of reporting and recovering from crimes such as fraud, scams, online harassment and cyberstalking, partnering closely with stalking charities like ‘The Alice Ruggles Trust’ on the latter to raise awareness and increase the reporting of cases. The volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, including graduates and cyber security experts who are all vetted, background checked, identity verified and trained before they are assigned cases.
‘The Cyber Helpline’ has recently begun a campaign and fundraiser to expand into the United States and continue to provide free advice for victims of cyber crime.
The award for Rory comes during London Tech Week, a global celebration of technology that showcases how technology is transforming business and society.
Rory said:
“I am surprised and honoured to receive the Points of Light award. Receiving this award is a reflection of the amazing work our volunteers do on a daily basis to support victims of cybercrime and online harm. Since founding ‘The Cyber Helpline’ we have supported more than 35,000 individuals & families and over 500,000 victims have visited our online advice.
“More needs to be done to support victims of cybercrime and online harm. Too many have to live with the negative impact on mental health, online confidence and their finances. This award is a great reminder of the value of the work we do and will help us push forward for a world where the cybercriminals don’t win.”
See more about ‘The Cyber Helpline’