Workshop helps businesses protect themselves against cyber crime

With Lancashire coming under greater threat from cyber attacks, leading cyber experts hosted the first in a series of free workshops to help businesses protect themselves.

Cyber security experts led by Lancaster University orchestrated the first Cyber Fundamentals workshop, a free seminar at Blackburn College, to learn how international criminal attention is being brought to the region following the announcement of the National Cyber Force Centre in Salmesbury.

The cohorts were welcomed by college principal Fazal Dad as the day long workshop got underway beginning with a cyber-themed quiz.

Jon Lomas, cyber security partnership development manager at Lancaster University, said: "We talk businesses through how identifying key points of vulnerability is vital for securing your digital presence. The businesses learn how to identify potential weaknesses, and we share practical solutions on how to change policy or implement new procedures to mitigate risk.

“The first Cyber Fundamentals was a great success, and we are inviting any SME based in Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester sign up for the next one.”

The next Blackburn seminar is set to take place on May 22 at the college’s new cyber security hub in their Industry Collaboration Zone, and is part of an 18-month programme of free business support events across Lancashire and the North West.

Cyber Fundamentals is part of the larger Secure Digitalisation project, supported by Lancaster University’s Cyber Works programme, which enables knowledge exchange between businesses and the Cyber Security Research Centre.

Dr Rebecca Robinson is a programme lead from Lancaster University Research and Enterprise Services, delivered the first Cyber Fundamentals seminar.

She said: “Unfortunately, businesses are forced to shut down every day as a result of malicious online threats, so we want to educate as many as possible on how to mitigate the risk of cyberattack.”

Nicola Clayton, Blackburn College director of business development and external engagement, said: “Blackburn with Darwen has had significant investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which we are using to upscale cybersecurity education and training for SMEs in our region.”