Businesses in Greater Manchester to get better protection against cyber attacks

A new scheme has been unveiled, to protect Greater Manchester's small and medium-sized businesses against malicious computer attacks.

It is estimated that cyber attacks pose an £860 million risk to the region's businesses every year.

The new scheme has been launched in the wake of the cyber attack last year, which affected a huge part of the NHS.

To combat the threats, universities in the region, led by Manchester Metropolitan University, with the universities of Lancaster, Manchester and Salford, will join forces in an initiative known as the GM Cyber Foundry, which will apply research in cyber security to create new products and services for SMEs.

Manchester Metropolitan Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press said:

“The GM Cyber Foundry will play a key role in protecting the region’s businesses, and preparing them for future digital challenges. Universities have an important part to play in ensuring SMEs can thrive by transferring cutting-edge technology, research and bespoke products directly to those who need it. Our strong relationships with business in the city-region, partnered with quality research in this area, ensure that Manchester Metropolitan is ideally placed to lead on this important initiative.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“Through the work of the Cyber Foundry, our world-leading universities are giving start-ups and SMEs the freedom they need to create and innovate, but within digital environments that are safe and secure from cyber criminals.

“With over £25m being invested in fibre broadband connectivity, a planned £5m Cyber Innovation Centre, and the new GCHQ site, Greater Manchester is both a major hub for digital development and research, and a trusted place to do business.

“Greater Manchester is a rapidly expanding software and technology hotbed, and we’re perfectly positioned to become one of the top-five digital city-regions in Europe.”

Strong cyber security is also essential for other important sectors in Greater Manchester – such as finance and banking and Industry 4.0 applications – where cyber physical systems are deployed.

Manchester Metropolitan University, Lancaster University, the University of Manchester and the University of Salford are working with businesses in this area, vital for Greater Manchester’s digital infrastructure.