Last week’s Cyber Security Breakfast Briefing at The Hawthorns was a huge success, and I want to personally thank everyone who joined us. The session was packed with insights, real-life examples, and practical advice on how businesses can protect themselves in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.
What We Covered
Our expert speakers tackled a range of current cyber threats and mitigation strategies. Topics included:
- The most common cyber threats facing UK SMEs – from phishing and social engineering to ransomware and DDoS attacks
- The importance of employee awareness training and phishing simulations
- How AI is being used by attackers to launch more convincing and targeted campaigns
- The critical role of a layered cyber defence approach
- Cyber Essentials and what certifications like CE and CE+ can do for your resilience
Cyber Security Awareness Training
Ross Harris from KnowBe4 walked us through how the SCG Midlands Cyber Security Awareness Training and Phishing Simulation helps businesses transform their staff into a strong “human firewall.” Through automated, scheduled training campaigns drawn from the world’s largest library of awareness content, it keeps employees informed of emerging cyber threats.
Ross explained how the service also includes automated phishing simulations to test staff proficiency in identifying and reporting malicious emails. Robust analytics – featuring detailed reports and actionable graphs – help you track performance, identify vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001 and cyber-insurance requirements.
A Valuable Perspective on Cyber Insurance
A standout moment came from Ian McKinney of Verlingue, who provided a compelling look into the world of cyber insurance. He outlined how the landscape has shifted dramatically: insurers are now placing far greater emphasis on a business’s existing security posture before offering cover.
He made it clear that SMEs are not too small to be targeted – in fact, they’re often more vulnerable. And with insurance policies evolving rapidly, there’s now a real expectation that businesses demonstrate strong internal controls, endpoint protections, and regular training.
Missed the Event? Let’s Catch Up
If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry. We’d be more than happy to walk you through the key points in a 1:1 session with one of our cyber security specialists.
We’ll tailor the conversation to your business’s needs and help you understand the practical steps you can take right now to improve your cyber defences.
Get in touch or find out more
