ONE OF the country’s leading intelligence figures has visited Malvern to formally open a unique new centre to tackle the emerging threat of cyber crime.
David Willetts, minister for universities and science, cut the ribbon on the National Cyber Skills Centre last week after speaking to Chase School students and being shown how to ‘hack’.
He was joined by Malvern MP Harriett Baldwin at the Malvern Hills Science Park based suite which is at the heart of what has become known as Worcestershire’s ‘cyber valley’.
Cyber crime costs England and Wales an estimated £27billion a year and is central to a large spike in all fraud which saw nearly 250,000 incidents in the last 12 months – almost double the amount recorded the previous year.
The centre, which has been funded by Worcesteshire County Council, will provide companies with essential training to guard against the threat of technology based fraud and is integral to ensuring Worcestershire is the safest place in the country to do business online.
Mr Willetts said the Government had invested heavily in tackling cyber crime but there was still a lot more work to do to raise awareness and encourage companies to flag up any suspected threats.
He also commended the centre for its engagement with young students.
“Today, countries that can manage cyber security risks have a clear competitive advantage.
“Innovative companies like those operating on Malvern Hills Science Park, backed by Government investment, will insure the UK has the technology we need to protect our data and take full advantage of this growth industry.”
Mrs Baldwin accompanied the minister to QinetiQ following the visit, and added: “The new cyber training centre is a classic example of where private sector businesses have taken the initiative and created a capability with little need for public funding.
“Cyber valley is leading the way in delivering nimble solutions for small and medium sized business and it is great that the IT sector skills council has agreed to back this
initiative making this the first proper cyber training centre for businesses in the country.”
