Made Smarter Yorkshire launches £400k cyber security drive

Made Smarter Yorkshire has launched a £400,000 cyber security initiative designed to protect small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers in Yorkshire. The government-backed programme aims to safeguard digitalized production systems, people, and operations against cyber attacks that can halt manufacturing processes.

Delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, the pilot programme will establish ‘Cyber Security Champions’ within participating businesses to improve threat detection and safer working practices. Starting in September, manufacturers can access four levels of fully funded support, ranging from basic awareness training to achieving internationally recognized ISO 27001 accreditation.

The initiative follows warnings from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) regarding rising threats in the UK. With cyber attacks costing UK businesses an average of £190,000 each, the programme seeks to mitigate the economic and operational risks associated with increasingly connected industrial environments.