POLICE are urging people across the county to ensure they have the latest software updates installed on their electronic devices in a bid to best protect themselves against cyber criminals.

Dorset Police has assured that having the latest update is a quick and effective way to protect devices from online attacks.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Installing the latest software updates is a quick and effective way to secure your against cyber criminals. Have you got the latest updates?”

The force says out-of-date software, apps and operating systems ‘contain weakness’ which makes them 'easier to hack’.

Dorset Police added that updating software, devices and apps helps keep hackers out, as they urge people to ensure they have automatic updates on.