Business support organisation BRAVE Enterprise is hosting a free cyber security workshop for small businesses in Bristol as police urge local firms to beef-up their online defences.

The seminar on February 19, which is being presented by web security expert Joanne Bocko of Avon and Somerset Police, will teach small business owners how to protect themselves from the latest online threats.

Joanne said:

“Smaller firms are still experiencing a significant number of cyber attacks, with two in five micro and small businesses (or 42 per cent) identifying at least one breach or attack in the past 12 months. Such attacks can impact profits and reduce consumer confidence.

“In general malware and ransomware continue to be the key threats that smaller businesses face and need to prepare for. Internet criminals are attacking small and micro businesses with this malicious software because of their lack of sophistication in cyber security.

“For small businesses, however, it’s not necessarily about having the best IT systems and technology in place, there are small things they can do to reduce their risk of being attacked. This workshop will offer some top tips to help small businesses stay safe.”

The cyber security seminar is being held at BRAVE’s offices at The Coach House, 2 Upper York Street, Bristol, BS2 8QN. To book a place visit www.brave.org.uk/training or phone 0117 944 5330.