Crime Solicitors

England’s first specialist centre dedicated to helping small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) protect themselves from cyber criminals has opened in central London.

The London Digital Security Centre (LDSC) was a key recommendation in the London Mayor’s Business Crime Strategy, which was launched in July 2014.
The strategy aims to make London a safer, better place to carry on business –
millions of pounds are lost to cyber-crime each year.

Online security is also a growing concern for SMEs, with attacks increasing against smaller companies as well as large, corporate businesses.

In 2014-2015, a total of 74% of SMEs in the UK reported being attacked by an unauthorised outsider – and 16% had their network affected, losing sensitive data and the ability to trade.

The LDSC was launched on 1 October and brings together for the first time experts from policing, technology and business to provide clear, accessible digital security advice, as well as supporting London’s SMEs.

The LDSC’s service involves the Metropolitan Police’s specialist online crime and fraud FALCON team, as well as the National Crime Agency and the City of London Police, working in partnership with academics, major businesses and technology organisations including Barclays, RBS and BT.

SMEs employ more than two million people across London – and comprise nearly 50% of its business turnover, the equivalent of £430 billion.

The Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) is providing £325,000 of funding to the centre over two years – after which the LDSC will become self-sufficient, paid for from revenues generated from the sale of its services and from donations.

The LDSC website offers the latest cyber industry guidance, with roadshows and advice surgeries for SMEs.

The service can offer expert security assessments and digital footprint reports to businesses, to identify and resolve vulnerabilities.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

“Cyber security is of critical importance to London’s small businesses, which employ millions across the capital and bring in billions to our economy.

“We want all these organisations to be able to protect themselves from harmful cyber-crime and cyber-enabled fraud.

“For the first time, small businesses in London will have affordable access to support from the best minds in the digital policing world, alongside those with the know-how to hack into systems and advise on securing them.

“The London Digital Security Centre builds on the work we’re already doing to support businesses in the digital age – and make sure London remains the number one place in the world to do business.’’

Head of the London Digital Security Centre, Patrick Nuttall, said:

“We have consulted extensively with SMEs in London – and we know the demand is there for a trusted, affordable resource to provide cyber security advice and support.

“Digital technologies have transformed small and medium businesses in London, bringing a world of new opportunities for innovation, commerce and efficiency. But going digital also brings with it risks.

“The LDSC is here to help London businesses – who may not be able to afford the sort of in-house expertise found in larger companies – to identify and manage those risks; enabling them to safely harness the power of technology without breaking the bank.”

Duncan Lewis Business Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis can advise at any stage of an investigation into business crime, including charges involving cyber-crime, computer hacking and IT fraud, false accounting, company fraud, VAT fraud, tax evasion, white collar crimes and embezzlement.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can advise at the start of an investigation before charges are brought – or at an interview with a prosecuting authority such as SFO, FCA, HMRC, City of London Police or BIS.

For expert legal advice on business crime – including cyber-crime, computer hacking and IT fraud – call Duncan Lewis business crime solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.