Proceeds of crime funding used to help protect businesses from cybercrime

The risk of cyber attacks on small businesses has increased

The North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) is offering a fully funded programme of cyber resilience support to small businesses in Greater Manchester at a critical time when many have moved online during the pandemic.

Commissioned by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and using money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act to fund crime reduction activities, the NWCRC will help raise awareness of the cyber threats that come with moving online and provide practical support to help protect businesses from online crime.

The NWCRC is a non-profit public, private and academic sector partnership, which exists to help protect businesses from online crime. The organisation offers a range of cyber security services delivered by a team of trusted professionals, seconded police officers and innovative ‘Ethical Hackers’ studying at local universities.

Assistant Chief Constable Nicky Porter of GMP said: “The pandemic has seen a 400% increase in reports of cyber fraud with small businesses finding themselves at the greatest risk and without access to relevant, affordable and trusted support.

“GMP recognises the threat that cybercrime poses and is committed to supporting our business community recover from the impact of Covid-19. Improving cyber security is a key part of our partnership recovery plan to help produce resilient and thriving businesses, which are the backbone of the local economy.

“Commissioning the NWCRC to support 300 small businesses across Greater Manchester is a real demonstration of our commitment and this is an excellent opportunity for businesses to benefit from fully funding, trusted support and guidance and I'd encourage them to get in touch to take full advantage of this offer.”

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire said: “The last year or so has been difficult for all of us and that goes for business too. As lockdown restrictions ease, the last thing any small business needs is to fall victim to a cyberattack.

“This initiative will help to protect businesses against online crime at a time when suffering an attack could mean the difference between a business staying open and closing.

“Using the proceeds of crime to fund crime prevention initiatives such as this is a really elegant solution and will make a significant impact on the business community.”

Commenting on the funding, Managing Director of the NWCRC, Neil Jones said: “We are very proud to be commissioned to deliver this crucial new programme, working with businesses across Greater Manchester to support them with cyber security and building resilience to online crime.

“We work with our partners to protect businesses and are only too aware of the difficulties many micro and small businesses, in particular, have faced during the pandemic when so many of us are working from home and reliant on new and different IT systems. We are looking forward to offering trusted insight and support to the Greater Manchester business community to help ensure that cyber security is a priority for all.”

To find out more about this programme, and to apply, visit: www.nwcrc.co.uk/arisfunding