Free training courses build resilience in cyber awareness

A group of Herefordshire businesses are the first to benefit from Cyber Awareness training after completing a FREE course supported by the University of Wolverhampton.

More than 50 SMEs will benefit from the newly developed suite of workshops funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Marches Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP). The Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security, supported by the University of Wolverhampton’s Cyber Research Institute (WCRI), is delivering the online courses for a range of businesses based in Hereford.

Being vigilant about Cyber security has never been more important for businesses as more employees are working from home with unfamiliar systems due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The desk space which was once part of a well-equipped office environment has become a makeshift corner of homes across the globe.  Mobile devices have come to the fore and dedicated internet access has been replaced and is shared as employees download projects, stream meetings and share the router with the children’s home schooling.

With distractions around the home it’s vitally important that people remain vigilant and guard against criminals using the publicity against coronavirus to target information.

University of Wolverhampton Professor of Cyber Security, Prashant Pillai, said: “During the pandemic we are unable to conduct business in a normal setting which can leave companies and individuals susceptible to Cyber Crime.

“Without a doubt, Cyber Crime escalates during times of crisis so this is an ideal time for people to take advantage of our online workshops to ensure that, not only are businesses is ready and prepared for recovery, they can be actively taking steps to ensure that they remain safe during this period of uncertainty.

“Delegates on the courses vary from those who are new to the world of technology and those who moving all their business online.

“For some, utilising social media platforms is paramount to the success of their business but the increasing demand of their legal obligations can be baffling and many have found this part of the training particularly useful.”

Luke Conod, Managing Director at Denim Nation Hereford LTD, said: “As I am sure everyone is aware we are in a new world and we need to think differently about how we run our businesses on every level.

“Now more than ever cyber criminals are trying new devious ways to attack our businesses, we need to be more vigilant than ever before. 

“Taking part in the University’s Cyber Workshop, from the comfort of my home of course, I was able to develop my skills from some brilliant top level speakers, some of which we have already implemented in our business.”

The online courses offer businesses an insight into the following:

• Managing a potential cyber incident and the mechanisms required to respond effectively.
• Building a resilient cyber strategy for your business.
• Understanding the evolving potential threats to business continuity.
• Understanding a business's legal obligations for protection of information and communication internally and externally.
• Comprehending the potential weakest links within an organisation and build an increasing understanding of how businesses need to operate in this ever changing sector.

 To find out more about future courses and whether your Herefordshire business is eligible for the funding email Business Development Manager, Charlotte Thomas:  charlotte@wlv.ac.uk.

Herefordshire will be home to the UK’s leading centre of excellence in cyber security – a £9m state-of-the-art hub supporting innovation and industry in the sector when construction completes on site in 2020.

The centre is a joint venture between the University of Wolverhampton and Herefordshire Council and part-funded by the Government’s Local Growth Fund, via the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

ENDS