The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales’ First Step Web Assessment is a service that offers Welsh SMEs, charities and third sector organisations the opportunity to review their online operations to ensure their cyber security is robust enough to withstand a cyber-attack.
Local business Wrexham Chauffeurs is a great example of a small Welsh-based organisation whose owner, Geth Thomas wanted to take positive action in better understanding how his company’s cyber security was fairing and what changes he – if at all – needed to make. And so, through the WCRC’s Cyber PATH team, he signed up to the First Step Web Assessment.
We asked Geth a few questions as to why he chose to do it, how it went and what outcomes he has experienced since doing it.
What prompted you to do the First Step Web Assessment?
I wanted to engage with an external agency who could test my security to ensure that my data was safe. I'd had a recent discussion with an individual who I suspected could become vindictive. It was then in March 2023 I first learned of the First Step Web Assessment and so reached out to the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales.
How useful did you find it to your business? And would you recommend it other companies like yours?
The assessment was very useful. It found a small issue that I subsequently arranged to have patched within two to three business days. And yes - I would recommend it to other companies, although it is up to each company to assess and mitigate what they perceive their own exposure to risk is.
You were able to use the evidence of the assessment to secure a new client. Please can you tell us more about that?
A new client contacted us regarding pricing for a service who told us from the get-go that there would be other suppliers competing for the same work. Me being able to demonstrate that I'd been through this assessment, and passed, separated me from the other suppliers - and I successfully secured the work. In fact, that client is now a repeat customer.
How aware as a business are you generally when it comes to cyber security?
My clients are multi-national corporations and private individuals so it’s imperative that my data is always secure, and we constantly review our security to ensure that we remain industry leading.
How proactive in your opinion are Welsh small business when it comes to their own cyber security?
I think the Welsh SME community could still do so much more when it comes to better cyber security protection. Staying one step ahead of the criminals is key and taking measures – like accessing the various services the WCRC offers – is a great starting point.
Have you accessed any other services on offer through Cyber PATH?
No - I've not yet accessed any other services on offer through Cyber PATH - but we are always looking for what we can do next to remain one-step-ahead of the crooks.
What advice would you give other small businesses when it comes to getting better protected against cybercrime?
Contact the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales and get assessed so that you have the peace of mind your business is protected. And, if it does show up any issues, deal with them as soon as possible. Doing nothing leaves you vulnerable to attack, the consequences of which could destroy your business overnight.
Get in touch if you’d like to boost your cyber resilience and we’ll organise a consultation.
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