Wales is joint top with London as the place in the UK where most people are affected by cybercrime a study by the University of Birmingham and internet security company Avast says. Action’s Fraud’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) paints are very startling picture with more than 18,850 cybercrime and fraud incidents reported in Wales alone in 2021, with losses of £54m. For a nation of three million people, this is more than enough evidence businesses need to review their protection and further commit to cyber resilience.

So, what support can businesses access?

Since the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) launched last spring, the centre’s commitment to driving awareness of cybercrime and the support we deliver to businesses has been tireless. And, thanks to our free membership option, we’re starting to build a more cyber secure community across Wales.

With close to 300 companies signed up so far - including micro-businesses, startups, SMEs as well as larger enterprises, charities, and other third-sector organisations - we provide access to cyber resilience guidance and affordable base-level cyber services which is helping Welsh business owners and decision makers become more resilient and secure against the effects of cyberattacks.

If you have limited knowledge on cyber-related topics or are well versed with it, we focus on breaking things down into steps and priorities to help people reduce threats through practical, comprehensible, and simple actions. The WCRC is a police-led resource so when you come to us, you’re in a safe and friendly space to engage in conversation and debate.

As a member of the WCRC you’ll join a community of organisations all of which are supported by the centre’s excellent partnerships with local police forces, universities, our Advisory Group, Trusted Partners and wider business network.

WCRC free membership benefits:

• ​National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidance - how organisations can protect themselves in cyberspace, including the 10 steps to cyber security from the government NCSC division.
• NCSC’s Exercise in a Box – a tool to give your organisation a ‘dummy’ run of a cyberattack. Similar to testing your fire drill. Tailored for different sized organisations.
• NCSC board toolkit - resources designed to encourage essential cyber security discussions between the board and their technical experts.
• Regular newsletter updates – informing members on all the latest news and commentary on cyber risks and threats and how to stay resilient against them.

There is also the opportunity to take part in our cyber awareness projects such as our brand-new online campaign ‘We Commit’ which we have launched with our members and centre associates to spread the word deeper within the Welsh business community about the pressing issue of improving resilience against cyber threats.

Your commitment in assisting us with this cause is crucial in helping us to continue to grow our network of those we can support. If free membership is of interest to you, it takes just a few moments to sign up, alternatively contact our team if you’d like to discuss your cyber challenges in more detail.