Member Article

GDPR event will see live online hack to highlight cyber dangers

A free seminar on data protection will see a live hack being performed to demonstrate how easy it can be to access firms’ confidential information.

‘GDPR & Cyber Security: Dispelling the Myths and Practical Tips’ will see experts from both Kirwans law firm and cybersecurity consultancy Aabyss offer tips on how to prepare your business for the introduction of the forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - and prove just how vulnerable sensitive information can be to cyber attack.

Aimed at executives and directors, the seminar will also shine a light on the importance of keeping on top of data management, with topics covered ranging from advice on ensuring your business is GDPR-ready, to helping delegates understand how and why they are vulnerable to cyber attackers – as well as that jaw-dropping hack.

Andrew Allen, CEO of Aabyss, will also help attendees create an action plan they can implement immediately to protect them from digital hackers.

The GDPR is a European Union regulation which comes into effect in the UK on May 25 of this year, and carries huge penalties – up to €20m or four per cent of annual global turnover - for businesses which fail to comply.

Despite the heavy fines however, many SMEs still appear to be alarmingly relaxed about the new legislation, with a survey published last month by invoice finance provider Close Brothers revealing that only one in four SMEs (25.4%) have prepared for the GDPR deadline.

In addition, the most recent Government Security Breaches Survey also revealed that SMEs are being targeted by digital attackers, with over two-fifths (45%) of micro or small businesses having identified a security breach in the 12 months leading up to January 2017.

James Pressley, corporate and commercial solicitor at Kirwans said: “With so much data held online now about customers and employees, it is vital that SMEs understand both their legal responsibilities and their cybersecurity vulnerabilities in advance of the introduction of GDPR on May 25.

“Our easy-to-understand seminar will offer the most up-to-date advice on how to both protect sensitive information and ensure that your business is GDPR compliant, making it fit for purpose in today’s digital landscape.”

The free seminar will be held at 8am on January 30, 2018 at Avenue HQ, Mann Island, Liverpool. To reserve a place, email emccauley@kirwanssolicitors.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rachael Tinniswood .