Cyber crime is on the rise, with perpetrators becoming increasingly devious about the ways in which they infiltrate and disrupt company systems.
UK Global Cyber Crime figures reveal that the UK had the highest number of victims per million internet users with 4,783 last year – a rise of 20 per cent on 2020 figures. Thirty- nine per cent of businesses have reported a cyber threat.
Rising concerns have encouraged Lincolnshire IT specialist LCS IT Solutions (LCSIT) to team-up with website design and digital marketing firm DBS Digital and experienced cyber engagement officers – working under the banner of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (which covers the region’s five police forces) – to help county firms by sharing their expertise.
Together they are staging a high-profile event at The Lawn in Union Road, Lincoln on May 4, to ensure businesses are left in no doubt that cyber crime has the power to disrupt businesses of all sizes. They say it is vital that businesses remain alert to potential problems.
Lincolnshire-based LCSIT Managing Director Anthony Bryant said: “Some businesses simply think that cybercrime won’t happen to them. Others admit they are fearful of the unknown and businesses and organisations with compliance concerns, such as those working in the finance and health sectors, have their own particular worries.
“It is clear that criminals are exploiting gaps within businesses where cyber security managers, who may be burnt-out by always having to be on their guard, may have inadvertently left a business open to attack.”
Lincolnshire Police’s former Community Support Officer Justin Mekkaoui joined its Cyber Protection team a year ago. He is joining the East Midlands Special Ops Unit’s Cyber Engagement lead Sergeant Nick Stenner to speak at the Lawn event, which runs from 8am to 11.30am.
Sgt Stenner said: “We are determined to raise awareness during our presentation, which will explain how participants can protect their online accounts. We will also focus on data breaches, the value of personal data, phishing attacks, ransomware, antivirus and firewalls, the use of public wi-fi and more.”
Justin Mekkaoui said: “This event will also feature a Question-and-Answer session and we will be encouraging participants to speak-up if they have any points they feel unsure about.”
Lincoln-based website and digital marketing firm DBS Digital’s diverse client base includes business owners who often ask questions about cyber space matters.
DBS Digital Managing Director Julie Priestley said: “Cyber crime is one of the biggest threats to our business, at DBS our goal is to guide and support businesses in website design and digital marketing, supporting cyber security awareness goes hand in hand with that goal.”
Business owners and managers can book their FREE place at this event by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cyber-threats-what-you-need-to-know-tickets- 597651731417
