Hackers on hand to help beat the cyber criminals

Apr 16 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

A CRACK team of computer hackers is set to launch an assault on small businesses in the region in the name of saving the North East from cyber crime.

Northumbria University is seeking financial backing for a new scheme which will see a specially chosen group of technology students infiltrate North East businesses to help them combat real cyber crime attacks.

The initial stage of Northumbria’s WARP project will be launched next month when university representatives meet with major players in the North East’s law and finance sectors as it seeks their support.

The university – alongside its partner, Newcastle-based accountants and consultancy group RMT – has invited firms such as HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Barclays, Watson Burton and Dickinson Dees to an IT security event next month where it will launch the project.

The university’s Dr Chris Laing is hoping to gain funding from regional development agency One North East and backing from firms in the region at a time when he says recession-hit small businesses are neglecting their IT security.

Projects such as WARP (warning, action and reporting point) are encouraged as part of the Government’s drive to improve data protection in the public and private sector following a number of high-profile security breaches.

Dr Laing said the scheme, which will be manned by students on Northumbria’s groundbreaking ethical hacking course and other IT-related courses, could be rolled out nationally if it proves successful in the North East.