The Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre (ECRC) is delighted to welcome the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Roger Hirst, as its newest board member.
Under Roger’s governance there has been significant investment to strengthen the capacity of Essex Police. Over the last five years he has managed the expansion of the force by 500 officers, with a specific focus on the prevention of crime and supporting victims.
As the first Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner in the Country, Roger also instigated the necessary cultural change programme within Essex County Fire & Rescue Service. In addition, Roger has ensured that there has been investment in fire protection, operational training and on-call recruitment so that it is able to provide an increased level of service to the public.
Prior to his election as Commissioner in May 2016, Roger was Cabinet Member at Essex County Council with responsibility for Community Safety; Deputy Leader of Brentwood Borough Council; and has 33 years’ experience as a senior investment banker.
Commenting on the appointment, Detective Superintendent and ECRC Director Paul Lopez, said: "Roger is a great asset to the centre’s board. His wealth of knowledge and experience both in the private sector as well as his current role in the public sector, will help us to focus, prioritise and manage our business strategy effectively and efficiently. His track record with the Essex Police force is testament to his excellent leadership skills and we’re really looking forward to working closely with him as we push forward in strengthening the foundations of the ECRC.
Roger Hirst, PFCC, added: “Cybercrime is often perceived as a victimless crime, but it is absolutely not. Victims can lose their life savings, firms can be put out of business and we must not forget the growth in child sexual exploitation, abuse and grooming happening online. By working together, we can get on top of this and shut down the criminals responsible. I’m pleased to be joining the ECRC Board and playing my part in helping to make cyberspace a safer place for all.”
The ECRC board plays a key role in providing governance, direction, and oversight of the progress the cyber resilience entre is making.
Businesses can join the ECRC through a range of membership packages to access guidance, tools, and affordable services to help better protect themselves against the threat of cybercrime.
Businesses can find out more information about the centre and how to get involved at www.ecrcentre.co.uk. To keep updated with all the latest ECRC developments, follow @EasternCRC on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Notes to Editor
· 43% of small businesses have been targeted by cyber criminals - the ECRC makes it much harder for the cyber criminals to succeed.
· The annual cost of cyber-attacks on small businesses is thought to be £4.5billion. ECRC core membership provides tips and guidance to improve cyber resilience.
· 55% of businesses hold customers personal data electronically. The ECRC vulnerability report service helps identify potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities in companies’ websites that could lead to a cyber-attack.
· The ECRC Trusted Partners can help organisations achieve Cyber Essentials certification to guard against the most common cyber threats and helps to demonstrate their commitment to cyber resilience for their customers and staff.
· The ECRC offers an affordable range of cyber security services that are designed to help businesses identify their vulnerabilities, assess current plans and policies and work with their teams to build their cyber awareness.