Small and medium-sized manufacturers are being offered fully funded cyber security support to help protect their operations from growing digital threats.
The scheme, led by Made Smarter Yorkshire, aims to boost resilience across the manufacturing sector, where a single cyber attack could bring production to a halt.
Jessica Armitage, programme manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: "Cyber attacks are no longer something manufacturers can afford to think will happen to somebody else.
"Digital technology is creating huge opportunities, but the more connected a business becomes, the more important it is that cyber security develops alongside it.
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"This isn't simply an IT problem. An attack can stop production, delay orders, increase costs and disrupt customers and suppliers.
"For smaller manufacturers, one of the biggest challenges can simply be knowing where to start."
The new £400,000 pilot will focus on manufacturers in Yorkshire, delivering four levels of support through a partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.
Support will range from basic awareness training to ISO 27001 accreditation, an international standard for information security management.
The pilot could influence future cyber security programmes delivered through Made Smarter across England.
Dharmendra Shadija, Head of School, School Of Computing and Digital Technologies, Sheffield Hallam University
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The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned of a growing risk to the UK, with nationally significant incidents more than doubling in its latest published annual figures.
Government research puts the average cost of a cyber attack at £190,000 per UK business, contributing to an estimated annual economic impact of £14.7 billion.
Ms Armitage said: "That's why we've made this support fully funded and accessible to businesses at different stages of their journey.
"We want to help manufacturers take that first step, develop people who can champion cyber security within their business, and provide a pathway to keep strengthening their resilience."
The first stage of the scheme is a 2.5-hour online session aimed at SME manufacturers in Yorkshire.
The session will introduce the basics of cyber security, focusing on key risks such as phishing, weak passwords, and cloud security.
Attendees will leave with a practical action plan and the skills to become 'Cyber Security Champions' within their organisations.
More advanced support is available for companies that register with the Made Smarter programme.
This includes guidance on the Government-backed Cyber Essentials scheme, one-to-one coaching for the Cyber Essentials Plus certification, and support working towards ISO 27001.
Delivery will take place online, at Sheffield Hallam University, and in some cases on-site at manufacturers’ premises.
Dharmendra Shadija, head of the School of Computing and Digital Technologies at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We are delighted to be working with Made Smarter Yorkshire to help manufacturers build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to protect their businesses."
SME manufacturers can find out more at www.madesmarter.uk/yorkshire-cyber.