The free Cyber Champions in the Workplace initiative was established in October 2018, in response to a growing number of cyber crimes in the region and a lack of practical knowledge among businesses about how to be safe online.
Launched by Staffordshire’s Online Fraud Forum, a partnership of local business and public sector organisations, the initiative was spearheaded by Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner Sue Arnold. Staffordshire University’s Department of Computing played a key role and led the underpinning research for the project.
Elhadj Benkhelifa, Professor of Computer Science and Digital Innovation, commented: “It is our great privilege to be part of this project from the outset and to lead the underpinning research and impact evaluation of what could be rolled out nationally.
“In the ever rising push for digital transformation, this initiative focuses on increasing the knowledge, awareness, capability and skills of employees in the workplace to bring a change in culture within organisations by promoting best practice on cyber security and minimise cyber crimes and/or its impact.
“It is amazing to see what started two years ago as an idea gaining a real momentum. By addressing the weakest link in the digital security chain, the 'human', we are making Staffordshire more cyber resilient.”
Cyber crime is a security threat facing organisations of all sizes across all sectors, along with related socio-economic impacts such as fraud and extortion. The general public are also at risk, with people often the weakest link in the security chain.
Sue Arnold, who leads on business crime on behalf of Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Matthew Ellis, said: “Crime has changed and is evolving. Traditional crime still exists but cyber crime makes up a major part of all crime in Staffordshire and across the UK.
“This free training gives Staffordshire businesses the chance to get cyber savvy and stay one step ahead of online fraudsters by having designated workplace Cyber Champions.”
The training has been developed and is delivered by Staffordshire Police’s Cyber PROTECT Officer, Kate Dempsey, and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WMROCU) Digital Police Community Support Officer Matthew Hough-Clewes.
Staffordshire Police are taking the programme forward into 2020 in partnership with Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office, WMROCU and Staffordshire University.
For more information about becoming a Cyber Champion in your workplace or to sign up for training sessions, email: CyberCrimeUnit@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk