If you still think cyber security is “an IT thing”, think again – that was the key message from the first-ever East Midlands Cyber Security Summit this week.
The event, run by the East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster and De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), brought together business leaders, cyber specialists and regional partners to share insights and practical takeaways to help keep companies more secure.
DMU Associate Professor Dr Ismini Vasileiou, director of the EMCSC, said: “The East Midlands has a diverse and growing digital economy, but too many organisations still underestimate how exposed they are.
“Cyber security is not just a technical issue, it is about protecting businesses, people and growth. Today is about giving organisations the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to act before an incident happens, not after.”
Keynote speaker Paul Abbott, former Group Director of KNP Logistics, told how his 158-year-old transport company was forced into administration after a ransomware attack, with the loss of more than 700 jobs.
He said many organisations still underestimate the risks, often believing cyber attacks are problems for larger firms, while overlooking basic protections that could prevent serious damage.
Paul showing the ransomware email that the cyber attackers sent
Recounting the moment the scale of the crisis became clear, he told delegates: “After a few hours of trying to restore the system, one of the tech guys came to me with a very pale face, saying ‘it’s a ransom attack, we don’t really know what to do’. You know you’re in real trouble then, and that was a sobering moment.”
Paul warned that leadership understanding is critical, saying: “The issue is that a lot of board execs don’t want to go into the detail of it, but how can you lead change in the business if you don’t understand the basics?
“Events like this Summit are fantastic, especially when you’re a small business thinking about how you improve security. People often don’t realise there is free support available through cyber resilience networks.”
A panel of experts reinforced the message that cyber security must be treated as a core business priority. Raj Atwal, President of ISACA Central UK, said organisations must make cyber a priority, while Jill Broom of TechUK said the companies that did prioritise cyber security would be able to attract more clients.
Colin Ellis of the police-backed East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre warned weak passwords and lack of two-factor authentication, remains among the most common causes of breaches - particularly among micro and small businesses who often believe it will not happen to them. “One of your biggest weaknesses is your email inbox and your CRM system,” he said.
Delegates heard that practical help is widely available, including free tools and guidance from national and regional cyber bodies, allowing organisations to strengthen their defences before investing in expensive technologies. Microbusinesses and SMEs in Leicestershire were among the companies attending today to find out what support there was for them.
Ciaran Davison of Davison and Brain Digital in Leicester, said: “I deal with microbusinesses and sole traders to help them set up websites and digital marketing, and I have conversations with them about setting up firewalls, password managers, basic stuff, and people do not realise they need it. As a small business myself, I do not want my data to be vulnerable.”
Laura O’Flynn, Operations Manager at Leicester-based Charity Link, said: “When I first started with Charity Link, one of the board’s objectives was to improve our cyber security. With the board’s backing, they were prepared to invest, and we brought in a new IT partner. The cost benefit analysis showed that if you work with the right people, you do get cost savings. We discovered so many legacy issues and are now training our 21 staff. It has been a fascinating learning curve.”
Geoff Mann, Managing Director of Pure Table Top, said: “Coming here today has shown me that we need to be looking at all staff awareness rather than just the IT team.”
James Bull, IT Manager for Greater Things design agency, added: “It has been so useful. It’s been great to meet so many people and learn about all the resources out there for small companies.”
Posted on Thursday 12 February 2026