We are seeing a whole variety of video conference solutions suddenly being used and while these are extremely helpful and indeed often essential now in business, they could potentially create risk as some are more secure than others – some may be exposing users’ IP addresses. As well as your own Centre’s security, it's important for trust alignment that you use best in class at this time for cyber resilience. For those in the Network of CRC’s you should use Teams which is approved and within your current Microsoft 365 package.
Additional options include Google Hangouts or FaceTime for all video conferences and webinar style events. If these aren’t available or already setup, get in touch with BRIM for more support or to see what the latest guidance is.
Downloading software to engage with external party solutions is not advisable without some guidance.
Online events to support SMEs navigate Cyber risk management during COVID-19
Some of our Centres have had to postpone events, planned to inform regional SMEs about cyber risk and core and free membership options to support them. As Cyber threat increases during COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend reconvening on webinars will be a key support to your regional business and third sector members, including those who have currently had to close. By providing an option to learn about recommended guidance for cyber protection from NCSC, you will be directly helping the risk management of SME’s.
If your CRC is about to adopt webinars for the first time the guidance below may help you. Our Technical and Communications team members are on standby for support if you need it.
So, what is a webinar?
A webinar is an online meeting or presentation held via the Internet in real-time. To put it simply, it is an online event, which connects individuals with viewers.
What are the features of a webinar?
· Sharing video and presentation
· Chat
· Whiteboard
· Polls and surveys
· Desktop sharing
· Recording
What is needed to host a webinar?
· For attendees, internet access, and an audio headset (headphones, microphone).
· For webinar presenters, it is crucial to have a stable internet connection, a webcam, a headset, and a webinar hosting system.
Which platform should you use?
There are a huge range of platforms available for hosting webinars, but the recommended and secure solution for CRC’s is to set up your event through Microsoft Teams, as it is integrated with your existing Office setup, making it easy and secure for everyone to access.
Decide when you want to run your webinar
Even though many people and businesses are working from home at the moment, their days are no less busy! It is challenging to navigate the pressure different sectors and business types are facing, however by publicly promoting a knowledge session that informs and directs people to free tools to protect their business at this time is of value to many. Business or third sector organisations can self select from a series of dates and times if you provide the options.
Suggesting two or three dates and times and asking people to choose their preferred time could be a good place to start.
Promote the event
Send out an email in plenty of time to all your contact to tell people about the webinar so they can schedule it in. Have a reminder set for the attendees the day before too.
Prepare ahead of time
Write a script or some clear notes on what the webinar will cover, focusing at this time on your core membership benefits and the free resources. Make sure these are in an easy-to-read format for the attendees to follow along on their screens, for example, prepare a slide deck to use reflecting where to find these on your website.
Do a test run
Practicing the webinar will give you an idea of how long it will be and allow you to familiarise yourself with the platform and how it works, especially important if this is your first-time using Microsoft Teams.
Keep it simple
Limit the number of topics being covered in the presentation and try to keep speakers to a minimum so that your audience can follow along with ease. Consider having a Police lead as well as a business representative involved.
Ask questions
Even if you’re following a script or a plan for your webinar, it’s important to talk to your audience too, so ask them questions along the way and be prepared to respond. Adding time at the end is also a good idea. You can invite questions before the events also from those who have registered in advance.
Follow up
Send an email to the attendees after the webinar is over with copies of or links to membership details and resources from NCSC. This is also an opportunity to ask for feedback or suggestions for future events and create a conversation with your community.
During this unusual, but crucial time it’s important to try and keep things running as normally as possible, we hope this post allows you to keep some of your CRC events in the calendar, even if that does mean digitally instead of in person. Your Centre has been established to help protect businesses from Cyber Crime, which sadly is rising during COVID-19.
BRIM will continue to liaise with NCSC and inform CRC’s of recommended NCSC guidance throughout which can then be referred to in your webinar content.