The Midlands Centre for Cyber Security has launched a new range of courses to help businesses protect themselves from attacks costing SMEs millions of pounds every year.

The centre, based at Hereford Enterprise Zone’s Sklyon Park, is offering a range of courses for all levels of technical know-how with cyber attacks on businesses now a daily occurrence.

CPD manager Abimbola Sangodoyin said 82% of breaches involved a human element, making it even more vital for employers and employees to spot when attacks are imminent.

Sangodoyin said: “Whether it is use of stolen credentials, phishing, misuse or simply human error, people continue to play a large role in incidents and breaches alike.

“People are an organisation’s first line of defence against online attacks, so it’s vital that they are properly trained to spot and deal with anything suspicious.

“Cyber threats are forever evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Small and medium sized businesses are a prime target for cyber criminals, with almost one in three businesses suffering breaches or attacks at least once a week.

“Properly trained employees are your cyber-shield – whatever skill level people are at, the Cyber Quarter has a course that will strengthen your security against attack.”

The courses revolve around: Information Security Awareness, targeted towards SMEs; Cyber Security Fundamentals, beginner level training for people from an IT background wanting to upskill or reskill into cyber security; Technical Training, an advanced course for existing cyber aware practitioners and Cyber Security Leadership and Management.

More than 30 online courses are available, catering for the general public and those without specific knowledge through to those in leadership and management.

Managing director of Skylon Park, Hereford Enterprise Zone, Mark Pearce, said the courses were an extension of the wider support for cyber, defence and security businesses on offer through the Cyber Quarter.

“From cyber security testing to research and development, we have a world-class facility on Skylon Park which can help play an important role in helping businesses across the region and the UK protect themselves from costly attacks. Led by the expert cyber team from the University of Wolverhampton, the courses allow businesses to tap into knowledge which can ensure their online security.”

Ross Cook, Director of Economy and Environment at Herefordshire Council, said: “With the development of our Cyber Quarter, Herefordshire is a key player in the Cyber Valley which spans this county, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire and is home to 15 per cent of the UK’s top 600 cyber companies.

“The specialist centre established through a Joint Venture between the council and the University of Wolverhampton, backed by the academic team from the University’s Cyber Research Institute, allows us to support businesses, develop their skill sets and take the lead in cyber security testing, research and development, building on our local strengths in this area.”

For more information about the courses available, visit www.cyberquarter.co.uk/cpd-training-and-short-courses/