The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) is expanding its on-the-ground team with the appointment of Cyber Police Community Support Officer Chris Rees, who has been brought onboard to help Welsh organisations operating in the social care sector gain access to crucial cyber security training.

Contributing £51 billion to the UK economy, the UK social care sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge in cyber-attacks as a high-value target for criminals. In response to this, the WCRC and the Welsh Government recently launched a free initiative – The Cyber Ninjas Training Scheme providing care sector staff the chance to receive cybersecurity training.

in his new position, Chris is engaging with, and enrolling organisations onto the programme - which is delivered by Matobo Learning – as well as supporting them through the onboarding process.

Chris brings seven years’ experience as a police community support officer with South Wales Police, where he has been on the front line helping to reduce crime within the community. He has handled numerous cybercrime incidents developing his experience and knowledge into prevention and safeguarding, as well dealing first-hand in victim support.

Commenting on his new position, Chris says: “This is an excellent initiative which I’m delighted to be a part of. During my time as a police community support officer, I have visited numerous care homes and I know how valuable their role is within our towns and cities. Over the last few years, I have seen a sharp increase in cybercrime and can affect anyone. This is a chance for me to be more proactive in helping organisations protect themselves from falling victim to these threats.”

The Cyber Ninja Training Scheme is based on a programme Matobo Learning created for the BBC and has been awarded National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Assured Training status. It consists of two hours of online lessons which can be tracked and has knowledge checks. The 12 modules can be broken down into individual lessons, covering steps to take while working online to prevent cyber-attacks such as phishing and hacking.

Detective Superintendent Paul Peters and Director of the WCRC, added: “ A key part of any organisations fight against cybercrime are those indivduals working in that organisation. By giving them the tools to improve their cyber security, the knowledge of why these measures are necessary, as well as improved awareness of what to look out for, we can make a significant impact in reducing their vulnerability to the cyber-criminal. Chris joining the WCRC team, brings his experience in community engagement, which will be crucial to helping us drive awareness of this highly effective cyber security training and the benefits of completing it in regards to organisations operating in a safer environment ’

“It’s the centre’s role to ensure that as many companies as possible have access to this unique opportunity and Chris is incredibly enthusiastic about the positive role he can play in this process.”

To find out more information about the Cyber Ninjas Training Scheme and how to get involved, contact the WCRC centre at https://www.wcrcentre.co.uk/contact-us. To keep updated with all the latest WCRC developments follow the centre on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.