Cisco joins growing Manchester cyber security hub

Networking technology giant Cisco has become the latest supporter of Manchester’s growing Digital Security Hub (DiSH) cyber security accelerator, launching a series of initiatives to support the centre’s ambitions to be at the forefront of security innovation in North West England.

Manchester already hosts a growing cyber security ecosystem and the city is just a short drive from the National Cyber Force’s Samlesbury headquarters near Preston.

David Meads, Cisco’s chief executive for the UK and Ireland, said: “As Greater Manchester realises its digital ambition, it’s crucial that we equip everyone who lives and works in the region with the awareness, tools and skills to help improve their security resilience. We’re delighted to be working with DiSH and its founding partners to do just that.”

Cisco has long had a connection with Greater Manchester, and its latest commitment builds on its role in delivering the Greater Manchester One Network initiative, a strategic partnership signed with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority last year. Now, through partnerships with the Open University and UCEN Manchester, Cisco’s programme of work through DiSH will deliver cyber security skills support through a structured learning programme. Students 13 – 19 years old can register for a free, self-guided introductory course to equip learners with a basic awareness of vulnerabilities and the main principles of security resilience. This course will open up further learning pathways delivered through a pre-existing Cisco partnership with UCEN Manchester.

DiSH cyber security partnership development manager, Jon Lomas, commented: “We greatly value the opportunity to partner with Cisco, a global leader in cyber security, to help deliver the critical skills needed to protect businesses of all sizes from potential attacks in an increasingly complicated threat landscape. Becoming a Cisco Networking Academy will help us to deliver free and easily accessible training for our local business population to help them address the security risks they face.”