Money seized from criminals will be utilized to safeguard 300 businesses in the Merseyside region against cyber attacks. The North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) has launched the first police-backed cyber resilience program in the area, benefiting up to 300 businesses.
Funded by Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, the Merseyside Cyber Security Program aims to prevent crime and protect vulnerable businesses using assets seized through the Proceeds of Crime Act. The program offers free training and education to small and medium-sized businesses to address the increasing threats of cyber attacks, such as phishing or malware attacks.
On Wednesday morning, the initiative was officially launched at ACC Liverpool with the support of Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram. Merseyside’s Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, emphasized the importance of reinvesting seized assets to create a safer community and protect the backbone of our communities, small and medium-sized businesses.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy highlighted the rapid increase in cybercrime and the need to help businesses protect themselves. The Merseyside Cyber Security Program has been launched in collaboration with partners and funded by seized assets, demonstrating a commitment to prevention and support for businesses.
Mayor Steve Rotheram recognized the importance of thriving businesses to our economy and emphasized the need to protect them from potential threats. By doing so, the Liverpool City Region can become the best place in the country to live, work, and run a business.
Katie Gallagher, co-founder of the NWCRC, emphasized the seriousness of cyber threats and the catastrophic impact they can have on small businesses. Considering the growing sophistication of cyber criminals, prevention and protection against attacks are paramount.
A recent Cyber Security Breaches Survey revealed alarming statistics, with a significant percentage of businesses experiencing cyber attacks without adequate security measures in place. The NWCRC, originally established in 2019 as a pilot scheme for Greater Manchester, has since expanded its coverage to the whole North West region and other regions in England and Wales.
With nearly 800 members and continued growth, the NWCRC remains committed to supporting businesses and addressing the threat of cybercrime. To access the training and learn more about the program, businesses can visit https://www.nwcrc.co.uk/merseyside.