6
IN VIEW
IN THE CYBER FIRING LINE
Jon Lomas
Businesses across Lancashire are at greater risk from online criminals than ever before, cybersecurity experts are warning.
Specialists, led by Lancaster University, have revealed that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the county are facing a wave of intensive attacks from web criminals sparked by the announcement National Cyber Force (NCF) will build its HQ in Samlesbury.
Dr Rebecca Robinson, a programme leader with the university’s research and enterprise services, said: “Lancashire has seen a huge threat increase since the news of the opening of the National Cyber Force Centre in Salmesbury, which put the region on the map, internationally.
“Phishing scams are generally the most prolific type of cyber-attack, but not always the most damaging for businesses in Lancashire.
“We are seeing a massive increase in the number of ransomware attacks that are targeting SMEs. They make up a huge percentage of the
country’s business economy, and cybersecurity incidents are causing many to close.”
Lancaster’s School of Computing and Communications is at the forefront of a number of ground-breaking cybersecurity initiatives and the university is currently developing a cyber quarter on campus. It is also investing heavily in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The university has teamed up with Blackburn College to bring a series of free ‘Cyber Fundamentals’ seminars to SMEs across the North West.
The aim is to teach owners and managers about cyber vulnerabilities and how they can protect themselves from unwanted intrusion and attack while adding value to their business.
Jon Lomas, cyber security partnership development manager at the university, says it is more important than ever to make SMEs in Lancashire aware of the dangers and how to defend themselves. He said: “Awareness
is key, it is absolutely crucial. Identifying key points of vulnerability within a business is vital for securing your digital presence, yet it is often difficult to realise weaknesses.
“We talk businesses through how to identify those points, and how to change policy or implement new procedures to mitigate risk.”
Jon says criminals are now buying software on the dark web that enables them to commit cybercrimes. He said: “You don’t need to be a cyber expert to carry out a cyber-attack. It’s far simpler than trying to break into a car or rob a bank.”
The next Blackburn seminar is set to take place on May 22 at the college’s new cyber security hub in its Industry Collaboration Zone.
It is part of an 18-month programme of free business support events across Lancashire and the North West and ticket details are available on the Eventbrite website.
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