University expert set to help businesses protect themselves from cyber criminals at free event

The media’s go-to expert when it comes to cyber crime will be offering his advice to businesses looking to protect themselves from attacks.

Whenever there’s a high-profile cyber attack, Dr Mils Hills, who is the University of Northampton’s Associate Professor of Corporate Security, becomes in demand with news organisations like the BBC, who want an independent insight into the crime.

He also blogs regularly on the subject via the Huffington Post – here’s one he wrote in June about the WannaCry ransomeware attack on the NHS.

Dr Hills, pictured, will be presenting at a free event hosted by the University in September, which aims to help businesses to protect themselves from cyber attacks.

He said: “Businesses know their organisations better than anyone else. We aim to provide intelligence, hints, tips and confidence that they can enhance their cyber resilience in terms of proactive and reactive measures.”

Last year, the Federation of Small Business found two-in-three small businesses had been a victim of cyber-crime at a cost of around £3,000 each. Recent high-profile ransomware attacks on the NHS and Parliament have highlighted the degree of damage that can be caused by hackers, as well as highlighting steps which could have prevented some of the harm they caused.

The event, which is being held in partnership with Northamptonshire Growth Hub and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, will provide a number of updates, as well as interactive sessions around how businesses can take steps to protect themselves.

Topics covered include the national cyber threat landscape from the National Cyber Security Centre, the support available to organisations, self-help for businesses to test and prepare for cyber risks and cyber incident prevention and response.

Workshops will also take place during the event, which takes place at the University’s Park Campus on Friday 8 September, 8.15am to midday.

Attendees can book their place by emailing charlotte.patrick@northampton.ac.uk, or via the website.