Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner has allocated £150,000 seized from criminals to launch a comprehensive county-wide cyber security initiative. This program aims to equip up to 250 small and medium-sized businesses with essential resources to defend against cyber threats and mitigate potential attacks. Through partnerships with the North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC), businesses will receive training on various cybersecurity topics, including phishing and encryption, along with personalized assistance in developing cybercrime policies and procedures.
The funding, sourced from the police innovation arm of the Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods fund, underscores the commitment to bolstering cyber resilience across the region. Commissioner Andrew Snowden emphasized the importance of supporting businesses to thwart cybercriminals, prevent victimization, and stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape. The initiative seeks to address the increasing risks posed by cyber attacks, offering businesses access to vital resources and knowledge to safeguard their operations.
Detective Inspector Dan Giannasi, head of cyber and innovation at the NWCRC, highlighted the significant risks faced by small businesses from cyber threats and emphasized the center’s role in providing accessible resources and guidance. The initiative, backed by the police, aims to empower Lancashire’s small businesses to protect themselves against cybercrime and mitigate financial losses. With cyber attacks on the rise, Detective Inspector Paul Whitehead underscored the importance of proactive measures to safeguard businesses and prevent them from falling prey to cybercriminal activities.
The program is set to launch in June, with the commissioner scheduled to convene discussions with key stakeholders to strategize collaborative efforts in combating online crime. Through these collective endeavors, Lancashire aims to fortify its cybersecurity landscape and build resilience against evolving cyber threats.
