08/02/11
Stay ahead of the latest online scams at free St. Asaph event
Businesses in St. Asaph and the surrounding area can stay one step ahead of cyber criminals this Safer Internet Day at a free e-Crime Wales event.
It is estimated that e-Crime costs businesses across Wales more than £373million each year through fraud, theft, disruption and damage to computer networks. The average Welsh business is losing more than 3% of their turnover- almost £2000- as a result of e-Crime, but it is still an issue that many companies are not up to speed on.
The morning event at the town’s Technium OPTIC aims to give local businesses the tools to detect and avoid the latest online scams.
Safer Internet Day sees hundreds of similar events happening all over the world, with the aim of educating as many people as possible on how to guard against criminals who use the internet and other electronic means to damage or defraud business.
Industry expert Professor John Walker, of Nottingham Trent University and managing director of e-security specialist consultancy Secure Bastion Ltd will outline easy to implement steps businesses can take to secure their networks. Professor Walker shall briefly discuss the origins of internet crime, where it is going and use hard facts to illustrate that the threat of e-Crime is not exaggerated.
Delegates will also hear from Dr Les Pritchard and Tony Wilkins, of e-security specialists Fiasa (Forensic Investigation and Security Advice) who will outline the risks faced by business people using wi-fi or 3G to access the internet while on the move.
Andrea Barnard, North Wales police’s e-Crime business liaison officer, will also be on-hand to speak with businesses about their online security concerns. She said: “Criminals are constantly devising new ways to lure users into very costly scams, so the need for vigilance has never been greater.
“Attendees at the St Asaph event will also have an opportunity to make an appointment to discuss any individual concerns they have with myself. This briefing allows a unique opportunity for businesses to stay one step ahead of what is an ever-evolving threat.
“Moreover they will be able to network with fellow business people from the area to share ideas and experiences and hopefully build new working relationships.”
e-Crime Wales reflects the partnership approach of the Welsh Assembly Government, the information security industry, law enforcement agencies and Welsh businesses. The partnership comes together to learn, share best practice, gain new insights and understanding, and forge new relationships in the ongoing, international fight against e-Crime.
Trust and security online is recognised by the Welsh Assembly Government as vital to economic success and was last year identified by the European Commission as one of the foundations for sustainable growth in the 21st century.
Register for the event, for free by logging on to www.ecrimewales.com/events
