Gwent Police’s new Cyber Protect Officer delivered information and advice to more than 70 members of the Gwent business community at the Meet the Business Neighbour event at the General Offices in Ebbw Vale.

Leigh Woolford spoke with businesses from Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen about their cyber security arrangements, and ran exercises to test cyber resilience.

She said: “This was a great event and a good opportunity to speak with businesses about cyber security.

“We know that thousands of businesses across Gwent have been victims of some kind of cybercrime.

“Fortunately there are some really simple steps they can take to improve their cyber resilience and I am keen to visit as many businesses as possible to help them improve their cyber security.”

Jeff Cuthbert, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, said: “Policing must evolve to cope with this new and emerging threat and that is why I have put cybercrime at the forefront of my police and crime plan.

“The Cyber Protect Officer is a fantastic resource for businesses and I would urge them to get in touch.”

Temporary Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Pam Kelly, who is the cyber crime lead for the police in Wales, said: “Cyber crime is a priority for Gwent Police. Alongside our dedicated cyber crime unit, frontline officers have been upskilled to assist with investigations and provide cyber security advice.

“Our Cyber Protect Officer and Cyber Community Support Officer can provide invaluable cyber crime prevention advice to businesses and communities.”