Cyber Resilience Centre launches to help safeguard Greater Manchester businesses

The estimated cost of cyber-crime across Greater Manchester is in the region of £860m per year

A new not-for-profit venture has been launched to help reduce the vulnerability of Greater Manchester businesses to cyber-crime.

The Cyber Resilience Centre is a collaboration between Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Manchester Digital, with backing from the Combined Authority (GMCA).

The initiative, which officially launched this week (Thursday 8 November), will provide a targeted programme to substantially increase the take-up of effective cybersecurity measures to help protect Greater Manchester’s business community.

Cyber security advice and services will be accessible to as many companies as possible, regardless of size and turnover. The focus will be on preventative methods businesses can employ, and rebuilding those who have already suffered a cyber-attack.

Detective Superintendent Neil Jones who has been developing this venture said: “The new Cyber Resilience Centre is an innovative and crucial initiative for Greater Manchester in assisting businesses to become more resilient to cyber-crime.

“The estimated cost of cyber-crime across Greater Manchester is in the region of £860m per year, despite up to 80% of cyber-crime being preventable. Our aim is to substantially increase the take-up of effective cybersecurity measures to assisting businesses to be resilient to cyber-crime and safeguard the Greater Manchester business community.

“We believe this work, as well as helping businesses across the region; will support the capability and development of the cyber sector in Greater Manchester by improving the volume of reported attacks and directing support to the cyber security businesses in the region.

“We will also be working very closely with local students and academics through a number of universities, to help upskill and increase employability in this growing sector. Our collective ambition is to make Greater Manchester one of the best and safest places in the world to develop and harness digital technology.”

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes said: “Cyber-crime is an increasing threat in Greater Manchester, as it is right across the UK. Our rapidly growing digital sector is a huge benefit to the city-region, but also brings with it more risk of cyber-enabled crime. We are committed to doing all we can to support our local businesses.

“This new joint venture between Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Digital brings a powerful collaboration of resources, skills and experience. I am pleased to be part of the new initiative which will provide preventative work to safeguard local businesses, and also the community.”

The centre is located in the Manchester Technology Centre and businesses can access the service direct, online or via social media and there is a range of membership options for those who want more than what’s free on the website.