Universities Join Forces with £6m Cybersecurity Scheme for Manchester's SMEs
The University of Manchester will be part of a new £6 million cybersecurity scheme launching today (Monday 3 September)
The initiative, which will be known as the GM Cyber Foundry, is in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), Lancaster University and the University of Salford. The scheme will protect Greater Manchester’s small and medium-sized companies against malicious computer attacks.
Cyberattacks pose a £860m risk to the region’s businesses each year according to estimates by the Lloyds City Risk Register. To combat these threats some of the region’s leading universities are combining expertise and research in cybersecurity to create new products and services for SMEs.
The Foundry will match the research strengths of each university to the business needs of the local community; projects therefore can be developed in a targeted and streamlined way through business development intervention. It will also enable cybersecurity research capability, which is in great demand in the region, to be managed efficiently.
Dr Daniel Dresner, Academic Coordinator for Cyber Security in School of Computer Science at The University of Manchester says: “We'll jointly run targeted business engagement sessions, to supply specialised cybersecurity support and guidance, and also identify projects that can harness research and innovation expertise from the four partner universities. The goal is to see the development novel cybersecurity products and services.”
Manchester’s vibrant digital and creative sector generates more than £3bn in economic output each year the city is growing as a centre for digital excellence, as seen with the opening of a Government Communications Agency site (GCHQ) in the city next year.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, says: “Through the work of the Cyber Foundry, our world-leading universities are giving start-ups and SMEs the freedom they need to create and innovate, but within digital environments that are safe and secure from cyber criminals.
“With over £25m being invested in fibre broadband connectivity, a planned £5m Cyber Innovation Centre, and the new GCHQ site, Greater Manchester is both a major hub for digital development and research, and a trusted place to do business.
“Greater Manchester is a rapidly expanding software and technology hotbed, and we’re perfectly positioned to become one of the top-five digital city-regions in Europe.”
The GM Cyber Foundry has been approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which allocated £3m of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding to the scheme.
Dr Dresner added: “I'm thrilled to be working with SMEs again on pragmatic, applied cybersecurity research to make working in GMCA's business ecosystem that bit safer.
“Direct innovation with them is the next logical step after my part in a Technology Strategy Board supported project that created the only information security benchmark designed with SMEs in mind.”
Source: manchester.au
Latest Jobs
-
- Application Security Analyst
- London
- Up to £85,000 Base
-
An Application Security Analyst is needed for an innovative commercial organisation in London. The Application Security Analyst will be working closely with the development team and should possess a blend of application security, development languages and Information Security skills. Application Security Analyst MUST have strong interpersonal skills. The Application Security Analyst role will include, but in no way be limited to; designing solutions to maintain security, whilst incorporating design solutions in Development, DevOps and Architectural best practices. Conduct application-level penetration testing and review security architecture of Product suite. Executing projects to implement a Security strategy. Knowledge / Experience should include; penetration testing consultancy, source code reviews, vulnerability management and security assessments. Experience with the following is desirable: Agile Development, Fortify 360 SCA, IBM Rational AppScan and exposure to security industry standards - ISO27001 and PCI-DSS. The ideal candidate will have 3 years’ experience in a similar Information Security role and have relevant security qualifications - CISM / CISSP or CISA etc. This is a client facing opportunity where you will be expected to travel to customer sites. Reference Number: OG7484 (Application Security, Penetration Testing, Information Security)
-
- Cloud Network Engineer
- Leeds
- Up to £35,000 Base + Bonus + Possible Share Options
-
One of our clients, an exciting UK based start-up is on the lookout for a Cloud Network Engineer in Yorkshire. The Cloud Network Engineer will need current CCNA / CCNP level networking experience (Cisco, BGP, IP etc.), cloud networking understanding (Azure, AWS etc.) and current experience ideally within a client facing / consultancy role. (Cloud Engineer, Network Engineer, Azure, AWS, Amazon Web Services) Reference Number: PG7477
-
- Senior Service Desk Analyst
- Wiltshire
- Up to £32,000 Base + £6,400 Shift Allowance
-
We are currently working on behalf of an IT Service Provider based in Wiltshire who are on the lookout for a Senior Service Desk Analyst. The Senior Service Desk Analyst will be responsible for logging, managing and escalating internal & external incidents and requests. This is an excellent opportunity to join a business recognised for what they do and work with a number of top UK businesses. You’ll be able to manage your career development and gain additional training e.g. certifications etc. This role will include a shift (4 days on then 4 days off) which covers 24/7 12 hour shifts The ideal candidate will be currently working in a IT service desk / IT support role ideally in an IT Services business. Reference Number: PG7476 (Service Desk Administrator, Analyst, Support, Service Desk Support, shift work, traning, Information Technology, Customer service, Customer support)
-
- Data Centre Service Delivery Manager
- Hertfordshire
- Up to £50,000 + Package
-
A Data Centre Service Delivery Manager is needed to join a specialist connectivity provider in Hertfordshire. The company is going through a huge growth programme and this is an excellent opening for someone to join a business who are working with globally recognised organisations. You’ll be responsible for: Supporting the Commercial Director with management of existing and potential customers being the main point of contact. Maintaining and improving the company’s current and new services Customer relationship management Attending customer meetings in order to provide guidance to customers Keeping up a high quality level of service Updating appropriate documentation such as policy and procedures and making sure these are in place and followed Change and Incident management Service Level Agreements Experience required Must have current experience working in a Data centre environment in a Service Delivery role. An understanding of Data Centre technology and terminology. Experience of dealing with people of all levels within a business (Engineers to Board level) In return you'll have the ability to work in a cutting edge environment and work with a variety of well known international clients REF: PG7475