The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) brought law enforcement, public authorities and some of the biggest names in the private sector together to facilitate a first-of-its-kind strategic business and policing seminar. Discussion focussed on addressing ransomware attacks, addressing the barriers to reporting cybercrime, the deployment of police negotiators during ransomware investigations and creating a better understanding of the support offered by policing and other government agencies to organisations that have suffered a cyberattack.

The event was hosted by leading Cyber Incident Response firm, Bridewell, with support from Microsoft, the National Crime Agency, UK policing and the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group. The day included a cyber response exercise run by the National Crime Agency, a workshop session and a panel discussion, as well as presentations from leading blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, the Information Commissioners Office and South Wales Police.

Attendees were executive level along with legal team representation and CISO-level professionals from UK organisations who also had the opportunity to hear real-life case study examples of successful police investigations covering the impact of ransomware on organisations, supporting victims and the positive outcomes these cases have ultimately brought.

WCRC Director, Detective Superintendent, Paul Peters, said: “Many organisations are reluctant to disclose cybercrime incidents for fear of reputational damage. This, coupled with a lack of knowledge about how to report an attack and a lack of understanding of the support and assistance available from policing often prevents organisations engaging with Law enforcement.

“By bringing together some of the most influential organisations in the UK, alongside those with the knowledge and expertise within the cyber sector, we have been able to make progress by challenging misconceptions, demonstrating the level of support that is available from law enforcement when a cyber-attack occurs, as well as encouraging organisations to engage more with policing in the event of an attack or breach.”

Scott Nicholson, Co-CEO at Bridewell commented: “We were delighted to host what was a first-of-its-kind event at our office in Cardiff, and to bring together the senior cyber community, law enforcement agencies and industry bodies, to discuss the challenges and best practice in dealing with ransomware incidents. We hope this will be the start of a series of events which can provide real, practical help to organisations to improve their ability to deal with ransomware attacks.”

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