Well, you could save thousands of pounds, your corporate reputation or the very existence of the business itself!

The financial sectors have experienced a significant rise in cybercrime activity over the past few years as the following stats from the UK COVID CRIME INDEX 2021 REPORT show

• Three-quarters (74%) of banks and insurers experienced a rise in cybercrime since the pandemic began
• IT security, cybercrime, fraud, or risk department budgets had been cut by almost a third (26%) in the past 12 months
• This mirrors the criminal activity detected by financial institutions that had risen by (29%) since the start of the pandemic

And it’s not surprising to understand why. Cybercrime is now the biggest economic threat in the global economy – it’s cheap and easy to carry out and really hard to catch the people doing it. Couple that with remote working, poor cyber hygiene and a post pandemic business model for many that is tied to online trade, and we have created the perfect storm.

Why join the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre in the first place?

The vast majority of crimes committed in the UK currently – at least 80% - are fraud. And almost all are committed as online cybercrimes. But only about 1% of the UK police budget is spent on cyber and fraud.

That means, as a business or any other organisation, if you become a victim of fraud or a cyber-attack, you probably won’t get your money back and the police probably won’t catch the offenders. And in many cases you will be all alone trying to figure out what to next.

The ERCR takes you out of this dark place and provides real world help and guidance to get you to understand where your vulnerabilities online are and what options you may have to make yourselves more secure. All in all that means you’re less likely to be a victim in the first place and if you do, you will have a clear route out to get the business operating again swiftly and efficiently.

What do I get for my money?

The answer is ‘A lot!’

As most readers will already know the community membership is package is completely free and includes the following

• Monthly newsletter with regular threat updates posted onto the website
• Webinars and blogs – sector specific content
• Signposting to NCSC tools and services
• Little Steps Program to help prepare for Cyber Essentials certification
• Networking opportunities
• Access to Student Services and Trusted Partners
• Updates from policing and government
• Free access to Police Cyber Alarm and NCSC Early Warning
• Access the content by way of app or website

What next?

The impact of a successful attack against your website or network can be catastrophic and lead to website downtime, loss of data and permanent loss of reputation. But all is not lost.

Here at the centre, we would recommend that you consider.

1. Join our community for free . You will be supported through implementing the changes you need to make to protect your organisation.
2. Consider how we can help your own supply chain and customers – it would be great if you could look at promoting the centre on our behalf. Again – contact us to find out more.

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress), please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which isn't ongoing.

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050).