'It was mind-blowing': Lancashire Police funds UK's first free cyber attack simulation for businesses
“It was mind-blowing, It was challenging, It was fast-paced, It was entertaining.”
Lancashire’s businesses can now get access to a UK-first cyber security training simulation, funded by proceeds of crime seized by the police.
The Cyber Attack Hydra Simulation is a joint initiative funded by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and delivered by the University of Lancashire.
The programme is designed to protect small and medium-sized businesses by giving owners, directors and managers the chance to practice their response to a cyber incident before it happens.
Speaking to the Gazette at a simulation event held at the University of Lancashire, Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Today we had a training session on what's called Hydra.
“Hydra has been developed as a response to cyber attacks by government agencies, but now it’s being adapted so it can be used by businesses. What the training sessions offer is a real-life scenario. Trainees go through a scenario of what would happen to them if their business was under attack.
“Criminals will go wherever they can make money- every business is under threat of cyber crime. That's why it’s so important for businesses to have this kind of training, to understand the decision making and thought process they need to go through.”
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During simulations participants work through decisions they may have to make during a real cyber attack, including leadership, communications, risk management and business continuity. Training is currently free for all businesses across the county, as the scheme is funded using seized proceeds from criminal activity.
Karen Livsey, Director at No Whispers Community Interest Company was one of the participants receiving training for the first time.
Speaking after the event, she said: “When I initially saw the email, it looked really interesting. I thought it was aimed at very big companies, but when you read the finer detail in the sentences, it was actually aiming at small companies, CICs and charities.
“Cyber crime is becoming more and more common, and it's quite destructive. When I thought about it properly, I thought, I need to go because I don't know everything, and it's actually quite good to go to something to get out of your comfort zone.
“It was mind-blowing, It was challenging, It was fast-paced, It was entertaining. It was impressive and a really good experience because it made cyber very real for us.”