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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. |
