There has been a 'sharp rise' in the number of phishing email scams reported to Jersey's Information Commissioner over the past few days.

Doctor Jay Fedorak is urging small and medium-sized businesses in particular to be on their guard to hackers, who he describes as being 'currently highly active in Jersey.'

Firms are being warned to 'stop and think' before risking giving out login details that could expose their entire email system.

The JOIC has issued the following advice:

*Be vigilant
*If a familiar company sends you an email directing you to click a link or attachment to verify your email login details including password, stop, think and telephone the sender to verify the email. Only use contact details you have and not those listed on the phishing email.
*Warn all of your staff about the risk of phishing emails.
*Report the attack to the police or forward it to [email protected]
*Do not share your passwords under any circumstances.
*If you believe personal information has been lost, compromised or
accessed without your knowledge, contact our office on 01534 716530.