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Cyber security is no longer a concern just for large organisations. This practical session is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises understand the most common digital risks they face and how to manage them sensibly, without fear, jargon or unnecessary complexity.The workshop will begin by outlining the most common SME risks, including phishing attacks, scams and device theft. Participants will be guided through a clear cyber hygiene checklist covering essentials such as strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, regular updates and secure backups. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) responsibilities will be explained in plain English, with a focus on protecting client data and understanding what really matters in day-to-day operations.
Attendees will learn how to use cloud tools securely, how to spot suspicious emails or phone calls and which affordable security tools can make an immediate difference. This includes password managers, antivirus software and Virtual Private Networks, all positioned as practical safeguards rather than technical hurdles.
The session will include a scenario-based exercise asking participants to consider, “What would you do if X happened?” This leads into a wider discussion on business continuity, the real-world impact of system outages and why documented processes and procedures are essential if a breach occurs. The workshop will also explore supply chain risks, Cyber Essentials and other relevant certifications, as well as the role cyber insurance can play in reducing business risk.
This session is aimed at SMEs, sole traders, professional service firms and small charities that want to protect themselves and their clients online. Participants will learn how to manage digital risks confidently, keep staff and customers safe and protect one of their most valuable assets: customer data. As a quick win, attendees will complete a cyber safety checklist and implement at least one immediate improvement during the session.
The workshop is delivered by Simon Clark, who has spent more than 30 years at the forefront of IT innovation. His career spans from introducing Ethernet technologies in the 1980s to pioneering switching, routing and early solid-state firewalls.
As cyber threats have evolved, Simon has helped organisations stay ahead of emerging risks, increasingly guiding them towards cloud and SaaS-based security tools that offer stronger, simpler and more cost-effective protection. His experience spans both blue-chip organisations and start-ups, including Cisco and Brocade, giving him an end-to-end understanding of how modern cyber technologies work in real-world environments.
In 2020, Simon founded FortNet to provide independent, practical guidance for organisations. His work focuses on cutting through complexity and translating technical challenges into clear, actionable insights that clients can apply immediately.
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Freedom Works, 1-3 Robertson St, Hastings TN34 1HN, UK, 1-3 Robertson Street, Hastings, TN34 1, United Kingdom
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