CyberSmart joins NCRCG to boost cyber resilience for UK SMEs

CyberSmart has joined the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG) as a National Ambassador.

NCRCG is funded and supported by the Home Office, policing and business partners, and brings together organisations and individuals responsible for helping to combat cybercrime in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. The group forms part of a wider Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) network, which includes nine regional and police-led centres that work directly with SMEs across the UK.

CyberSmart is a cybersecurity specialist aimed at SMEs, with more than 1,000 managed service provider (MSP) partners and over 6,000 SME customers in the country. Its position as an Ambassador is intended to support NCRCG's goals by providing expertise and support to MSPs and SMEs, connecting them to resources offered by the CRC network and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

SMEs represent a significant part of the UK economy, accounting for approximately half of the private sector's turnover. However, many lack the dedicated cybersecurity resources available to larger enterprises, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. The CRC network aims to address this gap by providing resources and advice to make cyber resilience accessible to all SMEs, regardless of their technical expertise.

CyberSmart will use its role in the National Ambassador Programmeme to share cybersecurity knowledge and research with firms nationwide, including through the NCRCG's CyberVersed podcast series.

Jamie Akhtar, CEO of CyberSmart, said: "At CyberSmart, we're proud to join NCRCG as National Ambassadors. Our mission to support, educate and empower UK SMEs, and the MSPs that serve them, on the importance of cybersecurity aligns with that of NCRCG. Whereas many advanced cybersecurity solutions primarily cater to enterprises, SMEs are often underserved, lacking affordable access and dedicated support, despite being major targets. Through initiatives like the UK government Cyber Essentials scheme, we're able to help establish a baseline security standard for SMEs, which is crucial for supply chain integrity. As SMEs find themselves targeted more heavily by cybercriminals, it is essential that we educate and support these critical organisations."

Joanna Goddard, Chief Experience Officer at NCRCG, commented on the partnership and the potential impact on the sector. "CyberSmart is a fantastic asset to our National Ambassador cohort and, with the organisation's links to Managed Service Providers in particular, will enable us to tap into a sector which plays a critical role in contributing to the UK's cyber resilience," Goddard said.

She continued: "Millions of small and medium-sized businesses across the country rely on the IT support and advice provided to them by their MSPs, however many are still not benefiting from any cyber security support which is a significant missing piece of the puzzle. It is therefore essential that we raise awareness amongst MSPs of the CRC network and where their customers can go for additional, police-backed help."

"We are so pleased to be working with CyberSmart on this and to be welcoming them on board at such an opportune moment in the cyber security calendar," Goddard added.

Ambassador programme

NCRCG's National Ambassador Programmeme enables organisations from a range of sectors to work alongside police and government partners in efforts to improve cyber security for the SME community. The group operates in collaboration with academia and delivers services through the Cyber PATH initiative, which is focused on building a talent pipeline for university students and providing tailored cyber resilience services for SMEs.

The partnership reflects ongoing efforts to encourage awareness and adoption of baseline cybersecurity practices among smaller firms, seeking to reduce the risk cybercrime poses to the nation's economic backbone.