Businesses explore cyber threats at Anfield security event

Merseyside Police launched its Cyber Security Awareness Month on Tuesday, October 6, with a Cyber Connect event at Liverpool FC’s stadium.

The event, focused on emerging cyber risks, was organised by Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit in partnership with Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell.

Detective Sergeant Danny Gavin from the Cybercrime Unit said: "Cybercrime is not just a concern for large organisations.

"Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly impacted by cybercrime due to lesser established cyber security practices.

"Cyber Security Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to engage directly with organisations across Merseyside, practical advice and help them build resilience against evolving threats such as ransomware and AI-enabled cybercrime."

Merseyside PCC Emily Spurrell at the event (Image: Merseyside Police)

The event featured presentations from cyber security professionals, including real-life case studies and a cyber-attack simulation.

Speakers included Detective Sergeant Darren Devonport, who discussed investigations involving ransomware and insider threats, as well as Paul Benson of the North West Cyber Resilience Centre and Ben Sefton of Insightful AI.

A key part of the day was an interactive cyber-attack simulation led by Jenny Lam, a specialist in cyber resilience.

Businesses that could not attend are reminded that support is available year-round.

SMEs can access free cyber security advice and training through Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).

Ransomware remains one of the most disruptive threats.

Detective Sergeant Darren Devonport gave a talk on the current cyber threat landscape, real-life case studies including ransomware and insider threats, and how law enforcement responds to cyber incidents (Image: Merseyside Police)

Criminals often gain access through phishing emails or unpatched systems, encrypting files and stealing data.

The National Cyber Security Centre recommends organisations maintain secure offline backups, apply security updates promptly, and use multi-factor authentication.

Emily Spurrell, Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, said: "Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats facing businesses and organisations today, and the reality is that no organisation is immune.

"Events such as Cyber Connect play a vital role in bringing together businesses, policing and specialist partners to knowledge, build awareness and learn from one another.

"By working together, sharing information and building strong partnerships, we can help organisations stay one step ahead of cyber criminals."

Victims of cybercrime or fraud are encouraged to report it via reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.