A CYBER expert has praised a county security initiative which makes Malvern and one of the safest cyber communities in the country.

Colonel (Retired) John Doody praised the county's cyber security at the launch of Growing Cyber.

The strategic cyber security adviser and former GCHQ/CESG head of information assurance customer service praised Worcestershire's response to the threat as a keynote speaker at the launch.

He said: "The Growing Cyber launch event was a great success with businesses across the county taking part, organisations from all sectors were in attendance clearly demonstrating that cyber security is not an isolated issue and affects just about every aspect of daily life".

Growing Cyber is aimed at Worcestershire based businesses in need of advice and guidance about how best to protect their business from ever increasing online threats. Growing Cyber provides up to 12 hours of bespoke support from the projects expert providers at 3SDL based in Malvern.

Dibble Clark, Chairman at 3SDL said: "Cyber crime is a problem that cannot be ignored and schemes such as Growing Cyber are a proactive way of helping local businesses to recognise the threats. Malvern is fast becoming one of the safest cyber communities within the UK."

27 businesses have already benefited from the 12 hours of free bespoke advice and guidance that is currently on offer from the project which is also creating new employment opportunities.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure for Worcestershire County Council said: "Businesses understand the need to keep informed about the latest threats from cyber bugs as this can have just as much an effect on finances as it does on computers and gadgets."

Businesses that wish to access the Growing Cyber support can also take advantage of the projects matched funded grant of up to £40,000, call 0300 123 14 40 to find out more.