Cyber resilience is something no business in Wales can afford to ignore. It’s not just a concern for big companies: a recent survey suggests 72% of small enterprises have experienced cyber crime. Attacks can disrupt critical data and assets, impacting business continuity and causing reputational damage.
Achieving a basic level of protection need not be costly or complex. A wealth of expertise is available in Wales, supported by the Welsh Government. Its Cyber Action Plan for Wales sets out four priorities: growing Wales’ cyber security ecosystem, building a pipeline of cyber talent, strengthening resilience, and protecting public services.
Pete Burnap, Professor of Data Science and Cyber Security at Cardiff University and Director of Wales Cyber Innovation Hub, says: “We have a thriving cyber security ecosystem here, with a strong set of major companies including Airbus, Thales, PwC, Jacobs and CGI. Wrapped around these are many more businesses, and our cluster continues to grow and prosper.”
This ecosystem provides expertise in all sectors of cyber security. However, Wales has three areas of particular strength: protecting operational technology, such as manufacturing automation; threat intelligence, monitoring, detection and analysis; and the human-facing, behavioural side of cyber security.
There’s a strong culture of collaboration, with networks such as Cyber Wales bringing together business, academia and other stakeholders to share knowledge and ideas. Wales’ universities run industry-accredited degree courses, host dedicated cyber research centres, and collaborate with leading tech businesses inside and outside Wales.
It makes sense for Welsh businesses to call upon local cyber solutions. Business Wales offers support on how to find service providers, funding, skills and training. The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales – a partnership between police, universities and the private sector – makes cyber security simple and inexpensive. Core membership is free.
The Welsh Government maintains close links with GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre, which hosts useful online resources. Another key initiative is the Cyber Innovation Hub, which can connect Welsh businesses to the right cyber expertise. Prof Burnap says: “On the Hub website you’ll find a range of articles on what our cyber companies can offer, and we run short courses to reskill local people. Whether you’re a large or a small business, the right services are out there, should you wish to use them.”
Maintaining a strong cyber ecosystem brings significant benefits to Wales. It contributes to economic growth, supports job creation, and helps attract, develop and retain talent. Prof Burnap says: “Investment in cyber security helps to upskill people across many vital industries. Businesses become more resilient, and the cyber sector grows. It’s a great story.”
For information and advice, call the Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000, rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / we welcome calls in Welsh or visit Business Wales (gov.wales)