Merseyside firms can access free training to combat ‘growing threat’ of cybercrime

A free programme offering training on cybercrime is available to up to 300 Merseyside firms thanks to cash and assets seized from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act. The Merseyside Cyber Security Programme, launched by the North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC), has been funded by Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and chief constable Serena Kennedy.

The police-backed cyber security programme, which was funded using cash and assets seized from criminals, offers free training and education to small and medium-sized businesses across the region to help tackle the growing threats posed by cyber-attacks, such as phishing or malware.

A recent government survey into cyber security breaches revealed that 32% of UK businesses and  24% of charities have suffered a cyberattack this year. For medium size businesses, this figure jumps to 59% and 69% for large firms. However, only 30% of businesses surveyed confirmed they used tools for security monitoring and just 29% said they did a risk assessment covering cybersecurity risks.

The NWCRC was set up in 2019 as a pilot scheme for Greater Manchester to support businesses in that region with the growing threat of cybercrime and cyber fraud. This new Merseyside initiative was launched at ACC Liverpool by the commissioner, the chief constable and the NWCRC and is supported by the Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram.

Emily Spurrell said: “Merseyside Police work relentlessly to ensure crime does not pay, stripping criminals of the cash and assets they make from their illegal activities. We are determined to use that money for good – reinvesting it to prevent crime and build a safer, stronger Merseyside. Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities. We want to protect them, their employees, and their customers, so I’m delighted to be launching the Merseyside Cyber Security Programme today, focused on keeping them safe from the growing threat of cybercrime.”