Cyber experts are in Carlisle tomorrow to raise awareness about what businesses can do to protect themselves from attacks.

The free event aims to educate businesses about practical steps to protect themselves from the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals.

Jointly hosted by Carlisle Ambassadors, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Cumbria Constabulary and Get Safe Online, the event will take place at The Halston in Carlisle between 10am and 12noon.

A number of leading national cyber security experts will be presenting at the event.

Assistant chief constable Mark Webster from Cumbria Police will outline the level of crime in the county, while Alan Barr, assistant chief constable TITAN (Regional Crime Unit), will focus on the regional and national aspect, and what can be learnt from previous cyber crimes.

Get Safe Online chief executive, Tony Neate, will focus on the threat landscape for small businesses in respect to cyber-crime, and common ways business can be exploited by cyber criminals.

He will also focus on best practice measures that small businesses can implement to protect themselves from becoming victims.

Vin Pandha, banking expert from Lloyds Banking Group, will highlight the issues of CEO fraud, invoice fraud and “vishing” fraud.

He will also cover a popular technique used by cyber criminals called ‘Social engineering’ that aims to manipulate and trick people into certain actions including divulging personal or financial information.

Brian Lightowler is the managing director of QG Business Solutions, one of only five UK bodies tasked with the implementation of Cyber Essentials which is the UK Government’s flagship scheme.

He will take delegates through the controls needed, and explain how they relate to the General Data Protection Regulation due to come into force in May 2018.

Mr McCall said: "We are bringing leading experts to support local organisations, as we know how much they and their customers rely on the internet.

"This can be from doing business banking, to running their entire commercial operation online. This free event is open to all, and I would particularly urge the business community to consider if they are protected sufficiently.

"It is too late when a crime has been committed, but by taking a few simple steps highlighted by our team of industry leaders you can safeguard for the future."