BUSINESSES in Dorset have the opportunity to sign up to the new South West Cyber Resilience Centre (SWCRC), established to help better protect companies against cybercrime.

The police led initiative, in partnership with the private sector and academia, is part of a network of centres being established across England and Wales to provide businesses with a free level of support, and an affordable way to access more bespoke cyber security services and consultancy.

The SWCRC offers a range of membership options depending on the level of support that businesses in Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset need.

The core membership, which is specifically aimed at micro businesses is free, and provides access to a range of resources and tools to help them identify their risks and vulnerabilities.

A range of paid membership options are also available which come with a choice of cyber security services including a half day staff awareness session and a regional quarterly briefing on current cyber threats in the region.

The centre is headed up by superintendent with the Devon and Cornwall police force, Mark Moore, who has taken on the director role.

Mark said: “I am enormously excited to have been asked to bring the SWCRC into being and lead on this innovative partnership aimed at tackling the huge threat that is cybercrime.

“We know that any system is only as strong as its weakest link, and that is why we want to help improve protection for networks and supply chains across the south west.”

“Cybercrime is a risk to all business, but with some simple changes, they can significantly reduce their chance of falling victim to it. It needn’t be scary, complex or unmanageable, and we are here to help people through.”

“The SWCRC brings together the expertise of law enforcement, private industry and academia, working together to deliver free and affordable services to help businesses mitigate their cyber security risks.”

“Our website is now live, so businesses and charities can find out more about how we can help them and sign up for one of our membership packages."

The SWCRC has been funded by the National Police Chiefs’ Council Cyber Crime Programme which secured Government funding to establish a network of CRCs across England and Wales.

For more information about the SWCRC or to become a member go to the website https://www.swcrc.co.uk/membership.