NormCyber to host cyber event for Yorkshire businesses

NormCyber has announced a partnership with the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit to host a Cyber Crime Awareness Event designed to assist local SMEs, charities and non-profits in understanding and combating cyber threats.

The event, set to occur on 20th February 2025 at the WM Morrison's Headquarters in Bradford, aims to provide attendees with insights into the latest tactics used by cyber criminals. Alongside tailor-made advice on protecting against such threats, the initiative is afforded to participants without charge. NormCyber and the police forces have tailored the session to benefit organisations that may not otherwise have robust cyber defences.

The interactive session will feature a Cyber Escape Room Challenge designed to simulate real-life cyber attack scenarios. Participants can work on and refine their responses within a safe and controlled environment, enhancing their preparedness for genuine threats. Attendees will also receive access to free tools and resources offered by the local police.

Chris Taylor, Principal Analyst, Incident Response at NormCyber, highlighted the motivations behind the initiative. "Cyber crime is proliferating at an unprecedented rate, which rightly makes more and more organisations question if they are prepared for when – and not if – they become a target of an attack. Our event is designed to make this complex challenge clear," he stated.

He elaborated on the collaborative approach taken by NormCyber and the police unit. "By joining forces with the Yorkshire & Humber Cyber Crime Unit, we're providing an accessible cyber security masterclass to smaller businesses, who may not have the infrastructure to remedy large-scale attacks. It's a fantastic opportunity for local organisations to test their cyber resilience in a risk-free environment and start laying the groundwork for implementing a proactive defence strategy in their daily business operations."

The event also aligns with findings from the UK Government's 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, which reported that half of businesses and a third of charities experienced a cyber breach in the previous year, with an average recovery cost of GBP £1,205 per incident.

NormCyber brings significant expertise to the event, leveraging its experience in preventing and addressing various cyber threats, including phishing and ransomware. The National Cyber Security Centre's accreditation underscores its capability to offer a comprehensive view from an attacker's perspective, allowing participants to enhance their organisations' cyber resilience.

The event offers networking opportunities, enabling decision-makers and cybersecurity experts to exchange ideas and collaborate on future cybersecurity strategies.