Government urged not to forget cyber crime by Worcestershire business leaders

Following publication of the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review, John Allan, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Improved digital communications present businesses with huge opportunities but unfortunately, they also come with risks if the right security is not in place. To encourage small businesses to do more online and embrace the many benefits that technology presents, the Government needs to ensure firms are protected from cyber crime and other international cyber threats.

“The Government clearly recognises the importance of the UK’s economic security and the measures announced in the SDSR are very encouraging. The £1.9b investment in cyber defence underlines the importance of cyber security. Clearly it is how this sum is spent that is critical to success. We need to make sure our defences work for businesses of all sizes and sectors."

Judi Brazkiewicz, FSB chairman for Worcestershire, added: "A breach in any company’s online security is the biggest threat faced by most businesses today. While big companies have learned from experience and subsequently ramped up their cyber protection, cyber criminals are turning their attentions to softer targets and that means small and medium sized businesses, many of whom put their faith in basic levels of protection, which may not be good enough.

"I urge any small business to consider Cyber Essentials, which is provided by many cyber professionals. FSB is also hosting its regional conference, Thinking Big for Small Business, on Wednesday, December 2 at Wroxeter, Shropshire, where the National Cyber Skills Centre will host a workshop specifically aimed at helping small businesses to understand the issue and what they can do to protect their digital data from theft and misuse. Any business is welcome to attend Thinking Big for Small Business, it’s free to attend and more information is available at www.fsb.org.uk/092”