International Cyber Expo Advisory Council Member, Chris White, Head of Cyber and Innovation, The South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC), explores how policing can help businesses in the fight against cybercrime. 

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In the dynamic world of digital business, the threat of cyber crime looms large, regardless of the size of your organisation. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) often find themselves particularly vulnerable targets for online criminals. As a serving Police Officer, I've witnessed first hand the devastating impact cyber attacks can have on businesses. It's a stark reality: fail to prepare, and you're preparing to fail. The importance of robust cyber defences cannot be overstated.

Cyber security is not solely the responsibility of an IT team; it's a collective effort that involves every individual within an organisation. Understanding the basics of cyber security and one's role in maintaining it is paramount to safeguarding not just the company's assets but also its reputation and the trust of its customers.

Statistics paint a sobering picture: cyber crime now accounts for approximately 50% of all recorded crime. Recognising the severity of this threat, the Home Office has partnered with law enforcement to establish 9 Cyber Resilience Centres across England and Wales. The primary objective? To equip organisations of all sizes with the skills and knowledge necessary to defend themselves against online attacks, thereby fostering an environment where the UK is the safest place to live, work, and conduct business.

Membership in these Cyber Resilience Centres is entirely free. Upon joining, organisations receive a comprehensive information pack comprising various cyber security services and products. Additionally, they are offered a free consultation to assess their current cyber security posture and explore further assistance that the centre can provide.

One innovative approach involves collaborating with universities nationwide. Specially trained cyber students, under the guidance of experienced security professionals, offer subsidised services to centre members. These services range from workforce training to vulnerability assessments, all aimed at minimising risks and ensuring incident-free operations.  By leveraging university partnerships, the Cyber Resilience Centre ensures a continuous influx of talented individuals into the cybersecurity field. These students gain invaluable real-world experience, vetting, and commercial training, setting them on a trajectory towards successful careers post-graduation. Simultaneously, companies benefit from subsidised cybersecurity services, courtesy of the Home Office, contributing to the overall reduction of fraud and cybercrime in the UK.

In conclusion, the fight against cybercrime requires a collaborative effort, and the involvement of law enforcement through initiatives like the Cyber Resilience Centres is a significant step forward. By empowering businesses with the tools and knowledge to defend themselves against online threats, we're not just safeguarding individual enterprises but also bolstering the resilience of the entire UK economy in the face of an increasingly digitised world.

Ready to embark on your cybersecurity journey? Visit www.secrc.police.uk/free-information-pack to take the first step towards a safer, more secure future for your organisation.