With the ongoing roll out of a National Cyber Resilience Network (CRC Network) in the UK supported by BRIM, for NPCC and the Home Office, we’ve seen an impressive number of big brands stepping up to join the boards of these regional centres. From cyber-related companies to public, private and third sector organisations, an impressive array of brands recognised across the UK have engaged.
Why are they getting involved?
As COVID-19-related cybercrime escalates and puts already challenged SME’s at risk, big brands are dutifully supporting the establishment and growth of the Centres to help protect the national supply chain, their own supply chain and their own customers. They do this by sharing their own business acumen and providing funding support, to make the Cyber Resilience Centres sustainable for the longer term. It’s a sign Cyber Resilience Centres are here to stay.
Who is getting involved?
The West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (WMCRC) has welcomed Debbie O’Shea, Group Chief Information Officer for National Express Group to their board.
Debbie said:
“The threat from cyber attack continues to grow and is a real challenge for business. The WMCRC has a key role to play in raising awareness of threats and in providing solutions to protect business. I am delighted to support this important work as a Board member and to share the best practice we have developed across National Express."
Ian Vickers, founder of multi-award winning, cyber secure hybrid cloud platform METCloud, was the first board member to be announced for the West Midlands CRC. He said of his appointment:
‘I am honoured to be the first board member of WMCRC and I really would like to see the centre become an integral cyber security resource to businesses in this region. With the expertise and resource available from WMCRC, it is well poised to be the first port-of-call for businesses to equip themselves better to fight against this burgeoning threat.’
At the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East (SECRC), they’ve seen interest from businesses in a variety of sectors. Their board is so far made up of Stuart Reed from Orange Cyberdefense, Lee Whatford from Domino’s and Glen Hymers from Save the Children.
The list of nationwide brands continues as the network of ten centres takes shape;
Accenture
Centric
CGI
Deloitte
DLA Piper
Dominos
Lloyds Banking Group
MetCloud
National Express Group
NCC Group
Northrop Grumman
Orange
Save The Children
Siemens
Thales
Joanna Goddard, Director of Programmes for BRIM, said:
“The collaboration and pace at which the formation of Boards with big brand support is happening is quite anomalous. At a time when the nation is being asked to pull together to manage risk, business, Policing and academia are working at an accelerated pace to deliver this unique model to improve cyber resilience for sole traders, micro business and small business in particular.
I urge anyone in business who thinks they don’t need or can’t afford cyber risk management support to contact their nearest centre and request the core membership, which is free. Support from these big brands is making this affordable and much simpler to navigate what has become a complex marketplace for many small businesses. Trusted, independent Policing teams will work with you to help you.
If you can imagine lockdown without any funding support to keep your business viable, that’s what a cyber attack can be like. You simply can’t operate without access to your systems and files, banking or emails. A few simple steps can protect you, and monthly reports inform us targeting of small business and charities is rapidly rising.”
Should your organisation be involved in a CRC Board?
Board members are currently (at time of publication October 2020) actively being sought in;
East Midlands
West Midlands
South East England
South West England
East of England
Wales
London
Please submit expressions of interest on our enquiry page and we will be delighted to talk with you.