The West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (WMCRC) is pleased to announce Ian Vickers, CEO of METCloud, as their first board member.
With more than 22 years’ experience in IT and cybersecurity, the Birmingham-based technology entrepreneur has vast experience in protecting businesses from cyber crimes.
Founder of multi-award winning, cyber secure hybrid cloud platform METCloud, Ian has been a stalwart in cyber security for the region. He has been the Chairperson of the Birmingham Related Crime Steering Group and a Board Member of the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership. He has also been appointed as a board member of the West Midlands Crime Partnership - an initiative developed by the Police Crime Commissioners Office to develop best practices in crime prevention. In addition to local initiatives, Ian was also an active member of the CompTIA UK Executive Council.
Commenting on the appointment, Director of WMCRC and Superintendent Alison Hurst said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Ian Vickers as our very first WMCRC Board Member. Ian brings a wealth of experience both in the cyber security industry but also as a successful CEO and business leader. His guidance will be invaluable to me as the Director and also to the wider team at the WMCRC as we endeavor to grow the organisation and increase the number of members across the region. I am looking forward to working with Ian and shaping our future plans.”
The Board will play a crucial role in reviewing the direction of the WMCRC and in providing oversight of the progress the business makes against their plans.
Ian said: “I am honoured to be the first board member of WMCRC and I really would like to see the centre become an integral cybersecurity resource to businesses in this region. The most effective way to combat the surge in cybercrime is through close collaboration with the government, NCSC, the police, businesses and academia. I believe that the WMCRC is very well positioned to be the epicentre of this collaboration.”
“The knee jerk approach to remote working has left many businesses vulnerable to cyber criminals. Even GDPR and data protection laws, security breaches are on the increase. It is important for businesses to identify potential shortfalls and remediate quickly before they become threats.
“The internet is underpinning the future of business as it allows companies to trade globally. It is also connecting new technologies such as robotics and AI. If systems are not adequately protected from cybercrime or disruption, it is a recipe for disaster.
“My concern is that many companies still do not fully appreciate the damage that cyber crime can have on their business and those who do understand, feel overwhelmed.
“With the expertise and resource available from WMCRC, it is well poised to be the first port-of-call for businesses to equip themselves better to fight against this burgeoning threat,” said Ian.
The WMCRC is an innovative not for profit partnership between policing, academia and private industry, committed to helping protect businesses in the West Midlands region from cybercrime.
The WMCRC is the fourth centre to launch in the country, joining a growing network of regional centres being established as part of a national roll out to provide businesses of all sizes with access to affordable cyber security services, the latest advice and support from leading law enforcement and industry experts and help them take simple steps to protect their business from unscrupulous cyber criminals.
The WMCRC offers a range of membership options to businesses in the region including a free Core Membership. Sign up on the website today to access cyber Security support, guidance and tools.
You can hear from Ian directly about joining the Board on the new WMCRC You Tube channel.
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