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Local manufacturers urged to
check how cyber aware they are
LOCAL firms are being urged to take a
simple new test to check how cyber aware they are. The free test has been
designed by EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, after new research revealed
that companies could be unknowingly leaving themselves vulnerable to a cyber
attack, with smaller businesses particularly at risk. EEF's findings show that 46% of manufacturers have failed to increase their
investment in cyber security in the past 2 years. Amongst small manufacturers
this rises to 56%. 20% of firms are not actively making employees aware of cyber
risks, while 56% say cyber security is given serious attention by their board.
This is of concern because manufacturing is on the cusp of a 4th industrial
revolution driven by rapid advances and take up in technology, which will bring
huge opportunities, but also risks. Dubbed Industry 4.0 or 4IR, this next
industrial transformation will see ever greater reliance on data. 80% of
manufacturers say that 4IR will be a business reality within the next 10 years,
making it vital that they get the right systems and security measures in place
now.
Government figures show that, last year, 90% of large businesses and 74% of
small businesses reported a cyber security breach; an increase on 2014. The
average cost of these breaches was between £1.46 million to £3.14 million for a
large firm and £75k to £311k for a small business.
EEF's free online test will help companies to benchmark their cyber awareness.
They will also find useful information and links to further advice so that they
can bring themselves up to speed. Manufacturers will also be able to register to
take part in 4IR focus groups that the industry body is organising in a bid to
ensure the UK has a business environment that enables rather than hinders the
4th industrial revolution.
Steve Warren, North West Region Director at EEF, says:- "As technology and
data play ever more critical roles in manufacturing, companies will inevitably
find themselves more vulnerable to cyber threats. As the industry body we think
it's vital to start raising awareness now so that manufacturers can plan for the
cyber risks associated with the 4th industrial revolution. The fact is that
technology will transform our industry, opening up immense opportunities and
possibilities. But risks run alongside the rewards and it's important that
manufacturers are able to identify, understand and put the correct strategies in
place to keep their businesses safe and cyber secure. There are also many other
barriers that could see Britain losing out on investment in 4IR technologies.
This is why we are looking to bring industry together to collectively identify
the major barriers to the next industrial age."
Companies can take the free test and register to take part in a 4IR Industry
Focus Group
here. |
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Latest Citizens of Honour
rewarded
5 people from Liverpool who have played
a leading role in the worlds of music, voluntary and community work and medicine
have received a top civic honour.
The Citizen of Honour Award was introduced by Liverpool City Council in 2008 to
formally recognise individuals who have made a significant, exceptional or
unique contribution to enriching the life of the City.
At a special service that was held at the Town Hall, on Monday, 9 May 2016, the following people will
were honoured with this award:-
► Allan Williams – in recognition of his contribution to the music industry
in the city as the original manager of The Beatles. He secured their first
bookings in 1960 and their tour of Hamburg in Germany. He played a crucial role
in establishing Beatles tourism in Liverpool – an industry now estimated to be
worth £80 million a year - by organising the first conventions devoted to the
band in the 1970s. He said:- "I am over the moon, very proud and honoured.
I am no spring chicken now and have been looking forward to the event. I am
pleased to have been born and bred in Liverpool, to me it's the most wonderful
city in the UK and I hope that I have done it proud."
► Brian Lawless MBE – for his 40 years of unpaid voluntary service for
organisations including Vauxhall Neighbourhood Council, Rice Lane Community
Organisation, Rice Lane City Farm and Walton Advice Centre. He has also served
as a governor at a number of schools. He said:- "I feel it is a great
honour to be honoured by my own great city but behind every man there is a wife
or partner who should also be thanked for the help and support they have given
us over the years."
► Kwong Ngan (aka Kenny Tam) – for more than 40 years representing the
Chinese community, including the longest standing chairman of the See Yep
association and founding the Merseyside School of Tai Chi, the first of its kind
in the UK. He said:- "Liverpool is my home so to receive the Citizen of
Honour award in this great city and share this moment with you, my family and
friends is just incredible. You have given me this amazing award but I am only
standing here, because of what the City of Liverpool has given to me."
► Roger O'Hara – in recognition of his campaigning on social issues in the
Granby/Toxteth area including chairman of Toxteth Community Council and the
Dingle Housing Regeneration Committee. He said:- "I was surprised and
honoured to be offered this award. In accepting it, I have to recognise the
consist help I have received from those around me, especially of my wife
Lillian."
► Dr Chris Wells – for his medical work in the field of neurological pain
relief and pioneering new techniques including as Director of the Walton Centre
and as President of The European Pain Federation. He said:- "Receiving
this Honour is a very special tribute not only to me but to the many patients
and colleagues with whom I've worked; it is truly the pinnacle of my career."
► Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Concepcion, said:-
"I am delighted to be able to pay tribute to the latest recipients of the
Citizen of Honour awards for making an outstanding contribution to Liverpool
life. Their selfless hard work and commitment in each of their chosen fields has
made a huge difference to Liverpool and helped put the city on the map." |
