Bristol-based business support organisation BRAVE Enterprise is hosting a free cyber security workshop later this month for entrepreneurs as new figures show hundreds of firms in the region have been attacked by online criminals.
The seminar on January 17 is being presented by Joanne Bocko of Avon and Somerset Police. It will teach small business owners how to protect against online scammers and hackers.
It comes as the latest statistics from Action Fraud reveal there were 309 cyber attacks in the South West during the third quarter of 2017, resulting in financial losses totalling more than £1.2m.
A recent government survey also revealed that 45% of micro and small businesses had identified a cyber security breach or attack in the last year.
BRAVE Enterprise director Liz Sands, pictured, said: “The statistics are worrying but experts believe the true figure is likely to be much higher because many businesses don’t report such incidents.
“Smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable because they often don’t have the in-house expertise or knowledge to protect themselves against online scams and hackers.
“This free presentation will share some simple measures that you can take to keep your business safe from potentially crippling cyber attacks.”
BRAVE, an independent and not-for-profit business support organisation, has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and run profitable businesses since it was launched in the 1980s.
The seminar starts at 10am and takes place at BRAVE’s offices at The Coach House, 2 Upper York Street, Bristol, BS2 8QN.
To book a place visit www.brave.org.uk/training or phone 0117 944 5330.
