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Employers and employees can sign up for free training to help avoid cyber attacks.

Free platform launched to protect Staffordshire businesses from growing cyber-threat

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Free cyber security training has been launched to help Staffordshire employers and employees combat the rising threat of cybercrime.

The launch comes as automotive giant Jaguar Land Rover is paralysed by a high-profile cyber attack which has halted production at its UK sites and affected dozens of supply chain businesses.

The initiative, led by IT services provider Hixon Group in partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Keele University Business School, offers certified online training accessible on any device.

Jonathan Lawton, Director of Hixon Group said: “Cybercrime is not just a technical problem; it’s an economic one. Every attack has a ripple effect across our local economy.

“By making training free, simple, and accessible, we are giving Staffordshire businesses the tools they need to build real resilience.”

More than 560 employees have already completed the training, and early results show participants reporting greater confidence in identifying and avoiding threats—skills that can help prevent the kind of operational disruption and data loss that cripple businesses.

Staffordshire Chambers Interim Chief Executive Chris Plant said: “Cybercrime is a constantly evolving threat that can impact businesses of any size and sector across Staffordshire.

“Just one cyber attack can have devastating consequences, disrupting operations, compromising sensitive data and even threatening the survival of a business.

“Giving employees practical, easy-to-access training helps them recognise risks and take action before problems arise. This programme will help to build confidence, protect business assets and make sure our local economy is resilient to cybercrime.”

The programme also feeds into new research, including a Cyber Security Impact and Measurement Working Group.  This will monitor the economic cost of cybercrime locally and develop practical interventions that businesses can adopt at scale.

Businesses and employees can register for the free training at https://bit.ly/hgcsa

Andy Jackson

Senior journalist and PR professional with just under 40 years’ experience. Andy’s investigated for and written for every national newspaper, many magazines and most broadcasters. He’s also handled strategic PR, crisis management and media relations for major NHS and private sector organisations. He grew up in Stoke-on-Trent and is an advocate for Staffordshire business. “Our county deserves Daily Focus,” he said.

2 Comments

  1. Is this the first test on the course?
    We would encourage you to sign up for free cyber security training by clicking on a shortened url which could be a hidden link to anything.
    Cyber Security training will tell you to not click on a link unless you know what it links to.
    Did I pass the test?

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