GMP adds ‘expertise’ to its Cyber Resilience Centre
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is to partner with global aerospace and defence technology company Northrop Grumman Corporation in its new Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC).
Launched at the end of last year, the CRC is the first of its kind in England and is a non-profit joint venture between GMP and Manchester Digital designed to reduce the vulnerability of Greater Manchester’s business community to cybercrime.
“Cybercrime is estimated to cost the Greater Manchester economy around £860 million a year,” said Detective Superintendent Neil Jones, head of cyber security and innovation at the CRC.
“Northrop Grumman brings world class skill, insight and expertise to this partnership, which will help our local businesses prepare for, and respond to, cyber attacks, while simultaneously supporting the development of our student community.”
Ben Palmer, group managing director for Northrop Grumman Europe, said it can be challenging to get ahead of crimes committed online that significantly impact local business.
Northrop Grumman will work collaboratively with the CRC to help build police capability, educate businesses to increase the take-up of effective cybersecurity measures and liaise with education providers who are developing cybersecurity curricula.
The CRC has an influential network of experienced partners at senior level across many sectors, including the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, banks, financial and professional services, cybersecurity providers, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and local universities through its collaboration with the Greater Manchester Cyber Foundry.
It aims to support 150 Greater Manchester businesses in its first year, and local students are being offered work experience to help increase the workforce and reach of the centre.
Det Supt Jones said the CRC was an innovative and crucial initiative for Greater Manchester in assisting businesses to become more resilient to cybercrime.
He believes its work, as well as helping businesses across the region, will support the capability and development of the cyber sector in Greater Manchester by improving the volume of reported attacks and directing support to the cyber security businesses in the region.
