Wales embarks on journey to become a cyber-resilient nation

4 Mar 2019 04:11 PM

Wales’ first Cyber Bus yesterday took to the road on a journey around Wales highlighting the importance of cyber security and the threats it poses to everyone.

The Welsh Government-funded bus will stop at all 22 local government authorities during March, providing the latest recommended information and advice on cyber security with the help from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Individuals, groups and businesses are encouraged to jump aboard the Cyber Bus which is managed by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for Southern Wales, along with the North West ROCU, to find out more. A team of police cyber protect officers, cyber security experts and volunteers will be on hand to provide hints and tips on reducing your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime and stay safe online. The team will also be delivering a series of short seminars and cyber resilience exercises for both businesses and the public. A full list of times, venues and activities are available on the Tarian website.

Finance Minister, Rebecca Evans yesterday said:

“The threat of cybercrime is not going away - figures recently published by Action Fraud reveal that more than £190,000 a day is lost in the UK by victims of cybercrime.

“We need to ensure that people and businesses are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to recognise the signs of cybercrime - and provide them with the tools to stay safe online.

“I want to encourage everyone to visit the Cyber Bus when it visits an area near them.”

Symon Kendall, Tarian’s Detective Constable yesterday said:

“We recognise that the majority of campaigns rely on social media and website information and the majority of cyber security events are attended by those with an interest in cyber security, so we are not reaching the general public and small businesses. This project is designed to go some way towards remedying this.

“Nationally there is considerable under reporting of cybercrime which affects our ability to combat the threat. By promoting Action Fraud as the National Fraud and Cybercrime Reporting Centre we will raise awareness of the services available.

“The overarching goal is to incorporate cyber resilience into the national psyche which will in turn make Wales a more cyber resilient nation where it is safer to do business online.”

Paul Chichester, Director for Operations, National Cyber Security Centre yesterday said:

“The NCSC is committed to making the UK the safest place to live online and the Cyber Bus will help more people demonstrate cyber security best practice.

“It’s imperative we all understand what threats are out there, and what the most effective ways are of managing them.

“We will continue our work with Welsh Government and Tarian to help protect Welsh businesses and the public.”