DI Dan Giannasi, Head of Cyber and Innovation at the Northwest Cyber Resilience Centre and Detective Inspector with the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit discussed their efforts to support small businesses in the region. The Centre aims to embed cybersecurity as a core part of organisational culture to enhance overall resilience.
This took place at our previous Cyber Conference. View the latest event below, for more expert insights into the evolving world of cyber security.
The Role of the Cyber Resilience Centre
The Northwest Cyber Resilience Centre is a not-for-profit, police-led partnership working closely with organised crime teams and the private sector. The Centre delivers affordable, professional cybersecurity services and support to small businesses, non-profits, and charities. The team comprises police officers and cybersecurity consultants, ensuring high-quality, relevant services.
One unique aspect of the Centre’s work is its collaboration with university students, which keeps services affordable and provides valuable experience for the students. The NWCRC also won the Best Non-Operational Problem-Solving Award for Reducing Business Cybercrime awarded by the Greater Manchester Police in 2023.
Building Awareness and Resilience
Dan highlighted the challenges small businesses face, such as limited resources and competing demands. Engaging with these businesses to raise awareness of cybersecurity risks is a significant challenge. The Centre works with local business groups, growth hubs, and proactive social media campaigns to reach and engage them.
Cybersecurity requires long-term cultural change within organisations. The Centre’s membership model supports businesses over time, providing threat information and updates on cybersecurity trends. Training is a key component, with sessions tailored to be understandable and relevant for both directors and employees.
Prioritising High-Risk Roles
The Centre emphasises the importance of prioritising high-risk roles within companies, such as accountants and customer service staff, who are more likely to be targeted. Building a strong culture of communication and confidence in dealing with cyber issues is essential.
Case Study: Innovative Projects and Partnerships
An innovative project in Greater Manchester uses proceeds of crime funding to support small businesses. This funding allows the Centre to offer free cybersecurity services and tailored packages. Over two years, the project helped 300 businesses, delivered over 200 hours of cybersecurity awareness training, and engaged with over 2000 business owners and employees.
Designed for SMEs, and organisations, including relevant and tailored support:
- Free membership with the centre
- Security Awareness training
- 1-2-1 session with a cyber expert
- Access to cyber security guidance, template policies and procedure documents
Feedback from the project was positive, with businesses reporting improved resilience and feeling better equipped to handle attacks. The project also raised the profile of the Northwest Cyber Resilience Centre, increased cybersecurity awareness, and built valuable partnerships.
- 2 suffered attacks after the program
- 83% said resilience improved
- 50% rated their cyber knowledge at over 8/10.
Expansion and Future Plans
Recently, the Centre launched a similar programme in Merseyside, again using proceeds of crime funding. This initiative has already seen great engagement, and there are plans to replicate the model in other regions across the Northwest soon.
Conclusion
The Northwest Cyber Resilience Centre is playing a crucial role in enhancing the cybersecurity resilience of small businesses across the region. Through innovative projects, valuable partnerships, and long-term support, the Centre is helping businesses build the necessary defences to protect against cyber threats.
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