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In today’s digital age, businesses are relying more on technology and online platforms, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to exploit weaknesses, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks, to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. Providing cyber awareness training for staff has become essential for organisations of all sizes and across all industries.

Why should your organisation invest in cyber awareness training?

The purpose of cyber awareness training is to provide employees with the necessary knowledge and abilities to recognise and counter cyber threats. This training focuses on informing them about prevalent attack methods, including phishing emails, harmful websites, and social engineering techniques. By gaining an understanding of these attack strategies, employees can enhance their vigilance and decrease their susceptibility to becoming victims of such attacks.

One of the primary benefits of cyber awareness training is that it helps create a “human firewall.” Employees are often considered the weakest link in an organisation’s cybersecurity defences, as they can inadvertently click on a malicious link or download an infected attachment. However, with proper training, employees become the first line of defence, capable of spotting potential threats and reporting them to the proper channels.

Another advantage of cyber awareness training is that it fosters a culture of security within the organisation. By educating employees on the potential risks and their responsibilities in countering them, it encourages the adoption of secure practices like using robust passwords, avoiding questionable links, and maintaining up-to-date software. This collective effort significantly reduces your organisation’s overall risk of a cyberattack.

Additionally, organisations can ensure compliance with industry regulations, data protection laws, and cyber insurance requirements through cyber awareness training. These regulations often stipulate the need to establish security awareness programs for employees. By providing such training, organisations show their commitment to protecting sensitive data and can avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.

What is the best way to deliver cyber awareness training?

Whilst online cyber awareness training offers convenience and flexibility, human-delivered training brings a dynamic edge that boosts engagement and understanding. This facilitates questions, discussions and clarifications which leads to a better understanding and retention of the security concepts, threats and prevention. 

Online training can sometimes be passive, with learners simply clicking through the material without active participation.

Delivered training comes with the added benefit of providing real-time interaction and immediate feedback which creates a more impactful learning experience. These sessions can provide content tailored to the specific needs of the organisation where trainers can address industry-specific threats and answer questions about internal security policies. Online training may be more generic without the nuanced focus that delivered training can provide.

A blended approach to cyber awareness training leverages the strengths of both methods to create a more impactful and comprehensive learning experience. For example, delivered training can be used to introduce key concepts and specific organisational components, and online training can be used to reinforce learning, provide additional resources, and track progress. 

This blended approach can maximise effectiveness and provide scalability to meet your organisation’s changing needs.

Is cyber security awareness just for the office?

The importance of cyber security awareness stretches far beyond the office walls. In today’s digitally connected world, our personal lives are intertwined with online activities, leaving us vulnerable to threats such as identity theft and financial fraud. 

Delivering tailored cyber awareness training which focuses on the personal aspects of cyber security resonates more with employees, and provides a useful context away from the office which is generally more effective in changing behaviour when compared to training which focuses solely on a corporate perspective.

By addressing the personal implication of cyber threats, your organisation can foster a security-conscious culture which extends beyond the workplace. This approach helps safeguard employee’s personal lives and strengthen the overall cyber security posture of your organisation by reducing threats entering through employees’ personal devices and online activities.

The modern workplace must view cyber awareness training as more than just a recommended practice; it is an indispensable investment. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and abilities to recognise and counter cyber threats, organisations can fortify their security and preserve the trust of their customers and stakeholders. 

It is vital to understand that cybersecurity is a collective duty, and each employee holds a significant responsibility in safeguarding the organisation’s digital prospects. An effective cyber awareness training platform will empower employees to recognise threats and reduce risky behaviours, forming an extra layer of cyber defence.

Norwich Airport’s Giant Step towards Step Free Aircraft Access

Norwich International Airport has taken a giant step to becoming one of the first UK airports to implement Aviramp’s aircraft boarding ramps. These ramps are self-contained mobile passenger boarding system designed to provide access for all including passengers with reduced mobility.

The Aviramp, which was introduced in July, has already made a huge impact on the way the airport handles many passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. In most cases these passengers can board aircraft under their own steam with the dignity that ramp access offers.

For all other travelling passengers, children and parents carrying children can board without needing to negotiate a steep staircase. Elderly passengers and nervous passengers do not face the daunting climb up steep stairs when beginning their journey, just a nice stroll up the ramp.

For the airline the Aviramp offers a new dimension of guaranteed on-time turnaround. The equipment removes any reliance on secondary high lift equipment for disabled passengers, as all passengers can board and disembark through one point of access. Aviramp brings all the benefits of a traditional style terminal connected jet-ways to the Airport’s stands, which in turn promotes satisfied passengers who do not experience delays.

Andrew Bell, CEO of Norwich International Airport said: “We are committed to making the airport experience an easier, speedier and less stressful one for all of our passengers and the arrival of the Aviramp system is another step towards improving their journey through the airport”

Aviramp is the world’s only provider of portable jet bridges designed to provide one point of access for all passengers including those with reduced mobility. The Shropshire based company designed a product line which allows passengers with reduced mobility to board and disembark an aircraft in a similar way in which abled passenger board when jet ways are not available. Managing Director, Graham Corfield devised the idea in 2009 and launched the product in 2010. Since then Aviramp has been brought by a number of airports all over the world; Japan, Kuwait, Italy, France and America.

Graham comments “It’s been a long hard slog to get Aviramp to what it is today, especially as I soon realised that it is more difficult to change the way an industry operates than I first thought. The ramps are now sold worldwide except for the UK and one of my personal milestones has been to bring Aviramp into the here. When management from Norwich first visited our plant they immediately saw the benefits that it could bring to the airport. Thanks to their vision of the future, that milestone is now achieved and I am sure that other airports will look at Norwich with envy and follow their lead – thanks very much Norwich “

Norwich based web designers, Bigfork, have launched the new website for Oilennium (part of the Petrofac group). Oilennium specialises in e-learning courses for the oil and gas industry and appointed Bigfork to improve their website. The new website needed to showcase their wide range of courses and position them as the oil and gas experts in e-learning.

The new site has a clean, modern look with easy navigation and is designed for mobile devices. The site is powered by a SilverStripe content management system so that Oilennium can update the site inhouse.

“We chose Bigfork to assist in the design and implementation of our new website as they clearly understood our requirements and had the right experience. We are very impressed with the results and would have no hesitation in recommending Bigfork.” Marketing Manager, Oilennium

You can see the new website here.

Bigfork – we make websites stand out t:01603 513080www.bigfork.co.uk

Wymondham based social business Swarm Apprenticeships has appointed Chris Perry as new Managing Director after 18 months on the non-executive Board.

Chris brings with him a wealth of business and training industry experience from his previous roles as Business Manager at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and over ten years working in the apprenticeships industry with national training provider, First 4 Skills.

Chris Perry comments “I am really pleased to be able to step into the role, to work alongside Robert in leading the Swarm team achieve our vision of growing the number of young and talented Enterprise apprentices across the region who will deliver real added value to their employers. Swarm is currently embarking on a new phase of growth and there are a lot of exciting things happening that give our young apprentices the extra support and tools needed to become even more effective in delivering a return on investment for their employers”.

“We find ourselves in the right place at the right time,” added Robert Ashton, Swarm’s founder, “which means growing interest in our philosophy of putting the employer first and making sure they get a measurable return on their investment in every apprentice.”

Chris Reeve, currently on Swarm’s apprenticeship scheme working for Robert Ashton, said this on Chris Perry’s appointment: “I have already learnt a lot of useful tips from Chris and look forward to working alongside him on the way to becoming UK’s No 1 choice in providing Business & Enterprise Apprenticeships.”

Swarm is currently recruiting businesses and potential apprentices from across Norfolk and launches in Suffolk next month. The company was shortlisted recently by social investor Big Issue Invest to take part in their ‘corporate social venturing’ program. This can provide both the investment and support needed to take Swarm national in 2015.

So you’ve spotted the perfect job vacancy. You can bet that other job seekers have also seen it – especially if they’re signed up to the same recruitment agency. Without further ado, you need to get down to writing a cover letter that’ll get you onto that all-important interview shortlist. The letter is the first opportunity you get to persuade the employer that you’re the right person for the job. But creating a letter that’s eye-catching and formal isn’t easy. As we all know there’s stiff competition for vacancies these days, but by reading these simple tips you’ll be able to craft a persuasive application:

1. Tailor the letter Don’t be tempted to copy and paste. The employer will spot a generic response from a mile off and will know immediately that you’re not putting in the required effort- as a result, your application may be left to one side in favour of more professionally written letters. Do your research and make it clear in the letter that you’re familiar with the company; explaining why you’d like to work there is a good way of demonstrating that you’ve done your homework.

2. Back up your experience When writing a winning letter, it’s important to appeal to the reader, or in this case, the recruiter. They want to be convinced you can do the job so when explaining why your experience is relevant, include examples from your other roles as evidence. If you’re applying for an office support job in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich or Norwich, refer to past achievements that demonstrate the duties listed in the job description.

3. Point out the benefits It’s important to highlight the benefits that your experience will bring to the company. When you outline your skills, explain the value they’ll bring to the firm. For example, when writing about your excellent management skills, point out that this means your projects will run on time and to budget, which enhances the company’s reputation among its customers.

4. Be passionate Although the letter is a professional document there’s no harm in being passionate. After all, wouldn’t you prefer to interview someone who seems excited about the job? But don’t overdo it. Exclamation marks in emails to friends are fine but in this context they can seem rather desperate. Obviously, this isn’t the feeling you want to communicate, so play it safe and stick to a more low-key enthusiasm.

5. Signing off When closing the letter include a line that reflects your interest. A simple sentence such as “Thank you for taking the time to consider my application and I hope to have the opportunity to work for you” will let the employer know that you’re polite, professional and keen.

6. Read…and read again If you submit a cover letter that’s peppered with errors it won’t be taken seriously. Because an employer wants to see that you’ve put time into the application, make sure you’ve checked it a few times before sending it. Another pair of eyes can give you a fresh perspective, so ask someone else to read the letter. An additional trick is reading it out loud to yourself – it’s surprising what little mistakes you might pick up on.

A corker of a cover letter could take a little time but it might just be worth it when you’re popping open the champagne at news of a job offer. So, it’s time to focus….happy writing!

As we step into 2025, the landscape of cyber security continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the growing reliance on digital infrastructure, it is crucial for businesses and individuals to stay ahead of the curve. Here are some of the top cyber security trends to watch out for in 2025.

AI-Driven Cyber Attacks

Cybercriminals are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to orchestrate more advanced and targeted attacks. AI enables the creation of highly personalised phishing campaigns and realistic deepfake content, making it harder than ever to distinguish between legitimate and malicious communications. 

To counter this, organisations should invest in advanced threat detection systems and provide ongoing training to help users recognise and mitigate AI-driven threats.

AI in Cyber Defence

AI and machine learning are revolutionising cybersecurity by enhancing threat detection and response. These technologies analyse vast data to identify anomalies and predict incidents, allowing proactive measures against threats. 

AI-driven systems can detect unusual network behaviour and respond in real-time, while automating routine tasks to improve efficiency. AI is also used for continuous monitoring, adaptive security, and user behaviour analytics, which helps detect insider threats and prevent breaches. 

Overall, integrating AI and machine learning significantly advances the fight against cyber threats, ensuring the security of digital infrastructures worldwide.

Cloud Security Challenges

As the world continues to migrate to cloud environments, securing these platforms is becoming increasingly critical. Misconfigurations, inadequate access controls, and lack of visibility can lead to data breaches and unauthorised access. Adopting comprehensive cloud security strategies, including continuous monitoring, encryption, and adherence to best practices, is essential to safeguard data in the cloud.

Zero Trust Cyber Security in 2025

As we move further into 2025, the concept of Zero Trust Cyber Security continues to gain traction as a fundamental approach to safeguarding digital environments. The Zero Trust model operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” meaning that no user or device, whether inside or outside the network, is trusted by default. This model focuses on identity verification and continuous monitoring to ensure security. 

This approach is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated and widespread. By adopting a zero-trust framework, you can enhance your security measures and significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

Internet of Things (IoT) Vulnerabilities

The proliferation of IoT devices expands the attack surface for cyber threats. Many IoT devices lack robust security features, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. 

Ensuring the security of IoT ecosystems requires implementing strong authentication mechanisms, regular firmware updates, and network segmentation to prevent unauthorised access. 

Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill

In July 2024, the UK government announced plans to introduce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, aiming to strengthen the nation’s defences against escalating cyber threats. This legislation seeks to the existing Network and Information Security (NIS) Regulations 2018, enhancing the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure and essential digital services.

The key objectives of the bill are to:

·       existing regulations to ensure that UK infrastructure and economy is not comparably more vulnerable.

·      Enhance cyber defences by aligning with evolving international cybersecurity standards.

·      Empower regulators to enforce cybersecurity measures and compliance across various sectors.

·      Mandate incident reporting of significant cyber incidents.

The Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill will apply UK-wide and be introduced to Parliament in 2025.

Quantum Computing Threats

Quantum computing is an emerging technology that, in the future, could impact how businesses secure their data. Whilst it is not an immediate concern for SMEs in 2025, its ability to break traditional encryption methods may become relevant in the coming years. Larger organisations are already exploring quantum-resistant encryption, but for SMEs this is something to be aware of rather than a top security priority right now.

Keeping up to date with developments in post-quantum cryptography and ensuring strong cybersecurity fundamentals – such as MFA and secure cloud storage solutions – will help SMEs stay prepared as the technology evolves.

Ransomware and Multifaceted Extortion

Ransomware attacks have been an ongoing issue for a number of years, and they are anticipated to keep evolving in 2025. Cybercriminals are likely to use multiple extortion techniques, combining data encryption with threats to disclose sensitive information. This method raises the urgency for victims to pay ransoms, complicating efforts to address these attacks.

Compromised Identities in Hybrid Environments

With the shift towards hybrid work environments, the risk of compromised identities has increased. Cybercriminals will exploit vulnerabilities in remote work setups to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. To mitigate this threat, it is essential to implement robust identity and access management solutions to safeguard your data.

Conclusion

The cyber security landscape in 2025 will be shaped by advancements in technology and the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. By staying informed about these trends and adopting proactive security measures, businesses and individuals can better protect themselves against emerging threats. As always, vigilance and continuous improvement in cyber security practices will be key to staying ahead in this ever-changing digital world.

For any of your cyber security business needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with CyberScale. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the complexities of cyber security and ensure your organisation’s safety in 2025!

SSCS visited Mexico for a week in July to attend meetings with the Port Authority and related bodies as well as with PEMEX, the single offshore oil and gas Major in the region.

SSCS recently appointed Canega Offshore Services as their Mexican based agent and used this trip as an opportunity to provide information and product training to their management team.

Following the positive outcome of the meetings SSCS and Canega are in discussions with PEMEX and other key bodies about utilising the SSCS Frond Mats for scour control around offshore assets, as well as for near shore and inshore erosion control requirements.

Such projects would add to the manufacture and supply of the SSCS Frond Mats to overseas clients from our Norfolk base.

Due to the phenomenal growth of our business over the last 3 years we are now looking at new offices to accommodate our increase in staff.

Over the last 4 years we have gone from 3 members of staff to now employing over 12 and are actively looking for new sales people to drive the business forward.

Our existing office, pictured, is situated on the Thorpe Road, opposite The Rushcutters pub being in a prime location to the A47 and only 10mins from the station but is bursting at the seams and with the help of some potential LEP growth fund monies a move is on the cards.

We shall help over 9000 business customers this year to finance nearly £30m and with the banks still making it difficult for businesses to grow we have been pleased to help them!

Please see the attached details and if you need anything further please contact Mark Skipper who is the office manager here and he would be pleased to show you around.

Mark Skipper 01603 703180

East Anglian wealth managers Chadwicks have been delighted by the response to their latest round of CPD seminars for solicitors and accountants. ‘When we started running these sessions we struggled to get six or seven attendees but just 18 months later we’ve seen a remarkable turnaround. After just one email we’ve had more than fifty people registering for our latest September session’ said business development manager Emma Clayton-Knight. ‘We started with sessions here at our offices in Norwich but we now also run them in Ipswich and Cambridge, alongside in-house sessions for some of the larger solicitor practices in Norwich and Ipswich. They have built gradually and after the September seminars we will have had more than 200 people attend at least one of our sessions, with many coming to several’.

Chadwicks have secured accreditation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority as CPD providers, a step Emma felt was essential in encouraging fellow professionals to attend. ‘It helps that our advice team has a strong academic background and so we were able to demonstrate to the SRA that our sessions included the required level of learning.’

‘We have always worked on a referral basis but felt that post-RDR we had a good proposition and this was something we should be telling more people about. We started by looking at our marketing and felt we needed to position ourselves alongside other professionals. These seminars give us an ideal opportunity to do just that – we have around two hours with a small group of people who can discover the depth of our knowledge and get an understanding of our approach. And at the end they walk away with a CPD certificate and a free sandwich!’

‘It took a full twelve months before we saw anything tangible in return for our not inconsiderable investment of time and money. However, what began as a trickle has become a steady flow of introductions that now account for half our new business. We have also been asked to present to client breakfasts and lunches by some of the region’s leading practices.

Our timing was lucky. From November the SRA is changing its CPD policy, introducing more flexible requirements, so I doubt our approach would be as successful were we to start now. However, we have build strong relationships with a number of practices who see the value in what we deliver so we are confident they will continue to use us.’

Background

Currently solicitors must complete 16 hours CPD annually of which at least 25% must be met by attending accredited courses. Chadwicks currently run a series of four courses, which are based on the firm’s core knowledge areas:

• The Impact on Retirement Planning of the 2014 Budget Changes to Pensions

• Investment Theory

• Passing the Baton – Making a Success of Business Succession

• An introduction to Behavioural Economics

More information at www.chadwicks.co.uk

Norwich International is pleased to announce the launch of a new Swiss ski programme from your local airport operated by OSKA Travel in the trade name of TOPSKISWISS.COM.

Flights will be operated by INTERSKY airlines with brand new 70 seat ATR aircraft which offers a real VIP style flight with catering included.

The first flight is scheduled for Saturday 17th January 2015 with six weekly departures running through to 21st February 2015 inclusive on direct charter to Berne Airport in Switzerland, the gateway to the Swiss Alps with their iconic mountains.

Accommodation is available in all price ranges from high class hostels to 5* hotels in Interlaken and Grindelwald, part of the Jungfrau ski region which boasts some of the most spectacular scenery of the Alps, with two lakes and an amazing alpine panorama. The region offers something for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers alike with over 214km of slopes and one of the world’s most famous downhill tracks, the Lauberhorn course. For non-Skiers the region boasts over 100km of winter footpaths enabling visitors to explore on foot.

Andreas F. Forsthuber, director of OSKA Travel, said “with these new offers we give our UK clientele the once in a lifetime chance to experience a VIP style ski holiday in Switzerland at affordable costs – and this with all comfort, even free transfer between airport and hotel included and, of course, fully ATOL protected.” OSKA Travel, with its new owner SYNERGY Communications AG and their Swiss based team boast extreme in-depth knowledge and unbeatable competence regarding the high-end ski destination Switzerland.

Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Norwich International Airport, said, “Our objective is to provide an ever increasing range of top quality destinations and product to the holidaymakers in our region. The addition of ski holidays in Switzerland this winter is fantastic news for local holidaymakers and provides further choice from their local airport”

For more information on these fantastic new ski holidays from Norwich visit www.topskiswiss.com.

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