Ethical hacker and author Joe Hormenoo has teamed up with the Marches Growth Hub and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to host an online event aimed at helping small businesses avoid costly cyber attacks.
Scheduled for March 12 from 10am to 11am, the free webinar will feature Joe, a certified ethical hacker with Round Cyber, who will discuss common vulnerabilities and their solutions. The event is being co-hosted by the Stoke and Staffordshire Growth Hub and DBT’s Cyber Hub.
Transitioning from a career in software development, Joe shifted his focus to cyber security after witnessing friends and family fall victim to scams. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the challenges of gaining trust in such a sensitive field.
“It can come across as a very dodgy job! You see things you should probably never see, so for people to be comfortable with that they have to trust you. I had to train and get certification to make people more comfortable,” he explained.
Drawing attention to the pervasive threat of cyber attacks, Joe emphasized that virtually any device connected to the internet or via Bluetooth is susceptible to hacking. With his expertise, he has even inadvertently breached the security of an internet-connected food dispenser.
As part of his approach to raising awareness about cyber vulnerabilities, Joe conducts simulated attacks on websites to identify weak points and recommend remedial actions for businesses. Emma Chapman of Shropshire Growth Hub emphasized the importance of equipping SMEs with the knowledge and tools to defend against cyber threats.
“Nearly half of all small businesses have experienced a cyber attack or security breach in the last year. Working with the Stoke and Staffordshire Growth Hub and the Department for Business and Trade, we want to alert businesses to the dangers though this webinar. The cost to the average business is more than £1,000 for each breach – that’s a price which can be avoided if you know where the risks are,” Chapman noted.
At the upcoming webinar, Joe will delve into the depths of cyber security, showcasing how easily accessible information can be exploited for malicious purposes. Through his presentation, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the vulnerabilities faced by individuals and businesses in the digital age.
Having recently authored a book titled “You’ve Been an Absolute Joy to Hack: A Hackers Favourite Small Business Mistakes (and how to avoid them),” Joe aimed to demystify cyber security for small businesses. He underscored the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against cyber threats and scams.
“People are sometimes scared of the topic, so I wanted to put it across in a way that was easy to understand. It’s just like locking a door in your house – once you know, you do it,” he affirmed.
Business owners looking to bolster their defenses against online threats are encouraged to participate in the seminar on March 12. Registration is free and can be secured through marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/events/cyber-security-addressing-risk-in-a-digital-age-2/.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the collaboration between experts like Joe Hormenoo and organizations like the Marches Growth Hub and Department for Business and Trade serves as a beacon of hope for small businesses seeking to fortify their cyber security practices. By arming themselves with knowledge and adopting proactive measures, businesses can effectively mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats and safeguard their operations in an increasingly interconnected world.