Event gives small firms advice on IT security

Apr 22 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

SMALL businesses are being invited to a free event tomorrow to teach them about protecting the information they store on computer.

The conference at Northumbria University will look at issues including cybercrime, IT risk management and ID theft.

Second-year students will also present ideas they have been working on to improve IT security. Dr Christopher Laing, programme leader at the university’s MSc digital security course, said: “We really want to raise awareness in the region about how dangerous a lack of security can be for SMEs.

“The recent high-profile cases for Government departments show how crucial computer security is. SMEs need to consider very carefully their own strategies if they are to effectively protect their own employees and customers.”

The event takes place tomorrow between 10am and 4.30pm. Although attendance is free, businesses wishing to go to the event are asked to contact christopher.laing@northumbria.ac.uk