The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands (WMCRC) is here to grow and strengthen the region's resilience to online crime. In this blog, we outline what we do and how we do it. But who are we and why do we exist? Who do we help and how? This blog tells you everything you need to know...
The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands was set up to support and help protect businesses across the region against cyber crime.
By working in conjunction with local universities and the regions local forces, we possess the latest information on emerging cyber threats, criminal trends and best safeguarding practice.
This enables us to provide you with timely guidance to prepare and protect your business, staff and customers from cyber criminals.
The WMCRC is modelled on a successful structured collaboration acclaimed by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). It is part of a developing network of Cyber Resilience Centres across the UK, delivered by Business Resilience International Management.
The WMCRC is led by Detective Superintendent, Alison Hurst of West Midlands Police. Meet Alison and the rest of the team here.
Why do we exist? Cyber crime is a growing problem. Last year, it was reported up to 88% of UK companies suffered data breaches over the previous 12 months. Indeed, one small business in the UK is successfully hacked every 19 seconds, according to one study. Cyber attacks are potentially ruinous events for business owners. The average cost of a cyber security breach in the United Kingdom is £1,010 across all businesses, however, this figure becomes greater as the size of a business increases. The cost of a cyber attack is not only financial, with the average time large businesses spend on managing the impact amounting to 3.4 days, according to statista.com.
Here at WMCRC, we provide guidance and toolkits that help businesses improve their cyber resilience and mitigate the threat posed by cyber criminals.
How do we help businesses?
The first step to cyber resilience is knowledge. That’s why we produce blogs and newsletters that keep you updated on the latest news, views, guidance and events relevant to the region’s business community.
We provide a range of services delivered by top talent from local universities, including staff training. We also have a network of Trusted Partners who can help you complete the Government-backed Cyber Essentials programme – designed to protect businesses from up to 80% of the most common cyber attacks.
What membership options are available?
We offer businesses FREE membership in addition to our paid membership opportunities. Businesses can choose from four membership options:
Core Membership (Free)
Business Starter (£500)
Business Enhanced (£1,500)
Business Premium (£3,000)
Learn about these membership options here.
Who are our Trusted Partners?
Our Trusted Partners are official providers of Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus Certification.
Cyber Essentials helps you to guard against the most common cyber threats and demonstrate your commitment to cyber security which can often become a requirement when tendering for work in both public and private sectors.
Cyber Essentials is a simple but effective, Government-backed scheme that will help you to protect your organisation, whatever its size, against a whole range of the most common cyber attacks.
Meet our Trusted Partners here.
Who else do we work with?
Last year, we established an Advisory Group featuring a range of industry professions from all backgrounds to help support the growth of our centre. The Advisory Group provides guidance that influences the direction of the centre. You can find out more about our Advisory Group
members here.
We also work in partnership with the region’s Police Protect Network, which works proactively and reactively on significant cyber crime investigations.
By working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), we’re able to keep our members up to date with the latest cyber threats and guidance.
What services do we provide?
We provide a range of affordable cyber resilience services with the very current knowledge and technical expertise from the UK's top university cyber talent. Our services help SMEs and therefore supply chain prepare and improve cyber resilience.
From staff training to reviewing your company’s network and systems, our services will help boost your cyber security strategy.
Learn about our services here.
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