The head of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has warned that a major cyber-attack on the UK is a matter of ‘when, not if’, raising the prospect of devastating disruption to British businesses and infrastructure.
The city’s business leaders and IT professionals have been given expert advice to help defend our businesses against this ever-evolving threat courtesy of a free workshop delivered in partnership with Bluescreen IT and City College Plymouth. It is one of many collaborative programmes the College is offering to local organisations involving industry experts to ensure commercial and expert confidence in their training initiatives.
The workshop highlighted the common mistakes people make which can have devastating consequences to their business’ digital security and offered easy to follow tips to help defend against cyber threats.
Chris Johnson a Deskside Engineer operating in the city, said: “It was a real eye-opener for any business about the risks posed by cyber-attacks. The presentations, while entertaining, were also relatable simulations of how businesses of all sizes can fall victim to malicious cyber activity; but it was reassuring to know that taking simple precautions can make such a difference to your digital defences.”
Bluescreen IT (BIT), based in Plymouth, count NATO and the UK Government amongst their clients and have held Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status - the highest accreditation the global tech giant can bestow on an independent company - for the past five years. They are also the only provider in the country with GCHQ accreditation for the delivery of their security courses.
Michael Dieroff, Managing Director of BIT, said: “Our company has a proven track record of successfully delivering a range of IT and cyber-security courses to help businesses sure up their defences against the ever-changing threats from online malware. Formalising our partnership with City College at this event enables us to support organisations in the region in training their staff to develop, manage, maintain and protect the systems and networks that are so fundamental to any modern organisation’s success.”
Pauline Hands, Director of Marketing & Business Engagement at City College, said: “It is not something that we like to contemplate, but I think most of us are unintentionally guilty of behaviour which can put our business at risk from cyber threats. Plymouth is establishing itself as a global digital hub and we want to support our local businesses to not only be at the forefront of technological developments, but to protect themselves in this digital age.”
Bluescreen IT is also working with the College to provide a more extensive offer of IT and cyber security courses aimed at managers and IT professionals operating in the business community. Those interested in finding out about protecting their business from cyber security threats are encouraged to contact the College’s Business Engagement team on 01752 305026 or e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk.