By KLTV Newsdesk –

Fully funded programme to help SMEs tackle growing cyber threat

Yorkshire manufacturers are being offered fully funded cyber security support as part of a new £400,000 initiative designed to help businesses protect their people, systems and operations from increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.

Made Smarter Yorkshire, the Government-backed technology adoption programme, has launched the cyber security initiative in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.

The programme will help manufacturers strengthen their cyber defences as factories become increasingly digital and connected.

Launching in September, the Government-funded pilot will create Cyber Security Champions within Yorkshire businesses.

Employees will be equipped with the skills and confidence to identify threats, promote safer working practices and help build stronger cyber resilience.

The Yorkshire pilot could also help shape how cyber security support is delivered through Made Smarter programmes across England.

Growing threat to manufacturers

The initiative comes amid growing concern over the scale and impact of cyber attacks facing UK businesses.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, responsible for protecting the UK from cyber threats, has warned of increasing risks, with nationally significant incidents more than doubling in its latest published annual figures.

Government research has found that a cyber attack costs a UK business an average of £190,000, contributing to an estimated annual economic cost of £14.7 billion.

For manufacturers, the consequences can be particularly serious. Digital technology now connects machinery and production systems with suppliers and customers, meaning a cyber incident can quickly become more than an IT problem.

An attack could bring production to a halt, delay orders, increase costs and disrupt relationships with customers and suppliers.

Human behaviour is also a key part of cyber security. While threats continue to evolve, human error remains the most common cause of security incidents, highlighting the importance of awareness and safer working practices.

Research by Make UK found that nearly one in three manufacturers had experienced a serious cyber incident, either directly or through their supply chain, during the previous 12 months.

The research also identified affordability and a lack of awareness of available support as major barriers to improving cyber resilience. It called for support to be easier for SMEs to access, including incorporating cyber resilience training into digital adoption programmes such as Made Smarter.

Four levels of fully funded support

The new programme will provide four levels of support, ranging from basic cyber security awareness through to internationally recognised ISO 27001 accreditation.

Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “Cyber attacks are no longer something manufacturers can afford to think will happen to somebody else. Digital technology is creating huge opportunities, but the more connected a business becomes, the more important it is that cyber security develops alongside it.

“This isn’t simply an IT problem. An attack can stop production, delay orders, increase costs and disrupt customers and suppliers. For smaller manufacturers, one of the biggest challenges can simply be knowing where to start.

“That’s why we’ve made this support fully funded and accessible to businesses at different stages of their journey. We want to help manufacturers take that first step, develop people who can champion cyber security within their business, and provide a pathway to keep strengthening their resilience.”

The first stage, Cyber Security Awareness, is a 2.5-hour online session open to all SME manufacturers across Yorkshire, with a particular focus on businesses that are new to cyber security.

The session will help businesses develop Cyber Security Champions who can recognise common threats and encourage safer working practices.

It will cover issues including phishing, weak passwords and cloud security, with participants leaving with a practical action plan to strengthen their cyber resilience.

Businesses do not need to be registered with Made Smarter to access the introductory session.

Support from Cyber Essentials to ISO 27001

Manufacturers wishing to develop their cyber security further can register with the programme to access three additional levels of fully funded support.

Cyber Essentials will introduce manufacturers to the Government-backed certification scheme and its five key security controls. It will also help businesses adopt digital technology more safely, build customer trust and develop an action plan towards certification.

Cyber Essentials Plus combines training with tailored one-to-one coaching, preparing businesses for technical assessment and independent verification of their cyber security controls.

At the most advanced level, Cyber ISO 27001 will help manufacturers identify security gaps, strengthen their Information Security Management System, prepare for audits and work towards internationally recognised ISO 27001 certification.

Support will be delivered online, at Sheffield Hallam University and, for some of the more advanced elements, at manufacturers’ own premises.

Building cyber security skills within businesses

Dharmendra Shadija, Head of School, School of Computing and Digital Technologies, Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We are delighted to be working with Made Smarter Yorkshire to help manufacturers build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to protect their businesses.

“Our experts in cyber security, digital forensics and organisational change will help businesses understand the risks they face and, just as importantly, develop people who can champion safer working practices and make cyber awareness part of everyday working life.”

The cyber security initiative will also connect manufacturers with the wider Made Smarter programme, which offers specialist advice and consultancy, digital roadmaps, skills and leadership development, internships and, where appropriate, grants towards new technology.

SME manufacturers can find out more at Made Smarter Yorkshire’s cyber security programme.