The Cyber Resilience Centre for the South West

We're delighted to welcome Joseph Ross to our team, as Chief Technology & Finance Officer. Joe has a passion for tech and cyber security so we look forward to seeing his contributions as we continue to grow our membership right across the South West.

We're a small (but perfectly formed) team, working with some brilliant membership organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and South West Business Council so we can spread the word and help their members build resilience in a digital world. The tactics used by cyber criminals are developing all the time, so we send regular updates to keep our members to alert them to new scams and hacks. If you'd like to be part of that, it's very easy. It takes about ten seconds 😀 and just think of the hours of stress we'll save you! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/dag4khi Thank you to the membership organisations that support us and we love keeping your members safer. Thank you especially to Ruth Lambert one of our strongest advocates and Paul Coles for all your help as we grow.

Who's keeping up with the updates from #CYBERUK24 – the two day conference featuring the world’s leading experts in cyber security. Expert panel discussions: Global Leadership Plenary - Responding to an Evolving Threat Picture Future Ready Plenary - Building a Workforce of the Future: Human-Machine Teaming and Beyond Future Tech Plenary - Future Tech Beyond the Horizon Follow the National Cyber Security Centre as they provide live updates from across the venue throughout the day #CYBERUK24 and don’t forget to check out their YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/eEvBuiFE

In the digital era, leading an organisation also means safeguarding its digital frontiers. The National Cyber Security Centre’s latest guidance offers CEOs a detailed strategy for managing cyber incidents with precision and readiness. The immediate chaos following a cyber attack can overwhelm even the most experienced leaders. Information may be erratic, and the pressure to make quick, risk-based decisions to protect operations is immense. This guide provides a structured approach to navigate this turbulent period, ensuring minimal impact on business, clients, and staff. We've produced a precis of the key points for CEOs along with the link to NCSC guidance for CEOs. Do contact SWCRC to discuss membership or collaboration. We're here to keep the South West safer from digital crime. Article: https://lnkd.in/eDU5ypef

As one of our longest standing Cyber Essentials Partners, we're pleased to share details of BIT Training Cyber Bootcamps for people interested in a career in cyber security. The Cyber Security Readiness Skills Bootcamp is an intensive nine (9) week course which combines personal and technical development. The personal development side includes CV support, interview skills, identifying interpersonal and transferable skills and utilising social media for employability while the technical side includes BCS Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP) and CertNexus CyberSafe. The Skills Bootcamp covers a wide range of topics, including the principles of information security, risk management, legal and regulatory requirements, and incident management. Find out how BIT Training can help candidates and employers get skilled up for our digital world. Sam Snowdon is a mine of information - thank you for all your support, Sam. https://lnkd.in/eV34V2VN

So what happens when you join the SWCRC - and is it just for IT and cyber geeks? The simple answer is NO! We're here for everyone, and especially for businesses or charities who don't have ready access to an IT team. Cyber criminals don't care if you're a sole trader, or in business with your friend. They'll take any opportunity to steal data, hold you to ransom or block your access to your IT systems. What you get when you join is this: 📨 A monthly easy-to-read update on new cyber risks and what you can do ℹ An initial series of emails for 12 weeks, each one giving a simple explanation of eg passwords, and giving you the information you need to protect yourself and your business 💻 Invites to webinars 💎 Offers from our partners to help you build cyber resilience 👏 Access to our amazing Cyber PATH which gives you affordable and effective ways to strengthen your cyber security And more! So please do take a minute to join - you won't regret it.

Good news for potential owners of smart devices - the Internet of Things has opened up many vulnerabilities so we're delighted to see one of them being closed. As from 29 April 2024, manufacturers of consumer ‘smart’ devices must comply with new UK law. The law, known as the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure act (or PSTI act), will help consumers to choose smart devices that have been designed to provide ongoing protection against cyber attacks. The law applies to any ‘consumer smart device’ that connects either to the internet, or to a home network (for example by wifi). This may include: smart speakers, smart TVs and streaming devices smart doorbells, baby monitors and security cameras cellular tablets, smartphones and games consoles wearable fitness trackers (including smart watches) smart domestic appliances (such as light bulbs, plugs, kettles, thermostats, ovens, fridges, cleaners and washing machines) If you import or sell these devices, you'll need to comply or face fines of up to £10m. For up to date information and advice on cyber resilience, please join our community of businesses in the South West. www.swcrc.co.uk

We work with many professionals in the hospitality sector - and we understand the importance of this sector to the South West. Busy operators and owners may not see themselves as a prime target for cyber criminals, but they are. Just consider how much personal data many hotels store about guests. Or how hospitality relies on online bookings or check ins. Now imagine if those systems were taken down by a hostile party, or your data stolen and sold on the dark web. Phishing attacks are common in hospitality, and there is a rising tide of ransomware attacks which do things like block hotel cards from working, locking guests out of their rooms until the ransom is paid. Add in risks from third-party vendor, and identity thefts, and you can see the size of the risks. We're keen to prevent our members falling prey to criminals. Joining our community is the first step for many businesses (whatever your job title), and we'll send you a series of easy emails showing you how you can strengthen your cyber security with some simple actions.

How skilled would your reception team be at fending off a cyber criminal? Beth certainly was! A member of a ransomware group made a phone call to the front desk of a company they claimed to have breached. The interaction, was recorded and shared by the gang on their dark web site. It was intended to pressure the company into paying a ransom. However, the call ended up being an ineffective and somewhat comical attempt to intimidate the company’s employees. Find out what happened here: https://lnkd.in/edrDusEs

We are fortunate to be working with some of the most talented up-and-coming cyber talent in the South West, through our innovative Cyber PATH programme. This brings together businesses who need affordable services, with talented cyber students. It's a perfect solution - professional cyber services at very affordable prices and with high quality standards guaranteed. One of the barriers to cyber security for smaller organisations is a fear of the cost, and not knowing where to start, Cyber PATH gets to the heart of the problem, and we're delighted to be helping our members to access these essential services. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/dQu7bth