The University of Brighton's half-day Cybersecurity courses will run in July, October and December and will cover what businesses need to know to keep their information safe in the digital age. That includes everything from how to use mobile devices safely, website security, disaster management, how to dispose of old PCs and understanding why hackers might want to target your business.
The courses will be led by Robert Schifreen who in 1985 became the first person in the world to face a trial by jury in connection with computer hacking. He was ultimately acquitted of all charges and is currently working in the University of Brighton's Information Services department. He has spent the last 20 years as a writer, broadcaster and commentator on all aspects of information security.
Robert said: "The need for data security is never far from the headlines, and should never be regarded as unimportant by business owners. In the last few weeks we've heard how data on up to six million people has been allowed to leak from Facebook, Google being accused of storing too much personal information, a young lady having her webcam illegally accessed by hackers, and governments accused of spying on every citizen's internet usage. Securing your company's critical information, to protect your secrets and to reassure your clients and customers, has never been more important."
It is estimated that the UK suffers 120,000 cyber attacks every day at a cost of £27bn per year. Those affected by Internet hacking include big corporations like Yahoo and the BBC as wells as small businesses. A recent report commissioned by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills highlighted the fact that small businesses are generally less well-prepared when it comes to IT security.