New cyber security guide launches for region’s small businesses

The North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) has launched a new Cyber Security Guide for Small Businesses based in the North West.

The new guide aims to help educate small business owners about digital threats to their businesses, and reduce the chances that they will become victims of cybercrime.

Small businesses face significant risks in an increasingly digital-first world, and cybercrime can impact businesses through lost time, financially or reputationally. Without the correct precautions in place, cyberattacks on small businesses are wide-reaching.

The NWCRC’s new cyber security guide for small businesses covers the following topics:

• What is Cyber Security?
• What is Ransomware?
• What is Account Compromise?
• What are the signs of Business Email Compromise?
• Back-ups
• Reporting & Useful Resources

Director of the NWCRC, Neil Jones, said of the guide:

“Small business owners will understandably have a lot of questions when it comes to cyber security. Whilst many larger companies are starting to offer more security awareness training and invest in vulnerability assessments of their own networks, we know many micro and small business owners simply can’t afford this.

“This small business guide has been made available to offer trusted guidance and support to the North West business community and reinforce the cyber security basics with owners and staff alike.

“We also want to thank our colleagues at the Scottish Business Resilience Centre for working in partnership with us on this guide.”

Since launching in November 2019, the North West Cyber Resilience Centre has supported over 300 members and have further expanded their support to business in Greater Manchester with a fully-funded support program.

Businesses in the North West can download the Cyber Security Guide for Small Businesses online, which includes simple tips on how to spot the signs of an attack, how you can protect your business and links to further free resources & support.