At Manchester Digital, we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week, we're speaking with co-founders Chris Eastwood and Alistair Kennedy from The Rybec Group.
Please introduce yourself…
We are The Rybec Group, a Cyber Security Consultancy based in Manchester, Doncaster and Hull. The company co-founders Chris Eastwood and Alistair Kennedy are both ex Police Cyber Crime and Special Operations Unit Police Officers, they have seen the full circle of cyber-crime from the cyber-criminal to the victim of crime and know the criminal mindset of the offender which in turn helps Rybec to protect companies against the ongoing threat of cyber-crime, With years of experience in cyber our expertise includes GRC (Governance Risk and Compliance), Cyber Security assessments, Business continuity and disaster recovery planning and cyber awareness training (to name just a few of our services!).
What motivated Rybec to focus on working with companies in Manchester specifically?
We were lucky enough to be on the first Barclays Eagle labs and Plexal cyber accelerator programs based at the DiSH. Here we not only met some incredible companies but saw firsthand how much of a fantastic innovative tech community there is in Manchester.
Can you share an example of how a Manchester-based company has used Rybec’s services to improve its business?
We have worked with multiple companies within the Manchester area of various sizes. Working with these companies we have both helped them cut thousands of pounds of costs down by implementing new or different processes and services and achieve certifications in ISO27001 Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) and IASME Cyber Essentials. This was a business enabler for our clients to work with international companies growing their market. This also increased confidence of clients knowing they are taking cyber security seriously
For companies, and start-ups concerned about cyber threats, what unique value or insights could you provide them?
There is a general feeling that companies think of cyber security as a huge overhead. This isn’t the case at all. It also isn’t something that should be avoided as approximately 50% of companies are hit by cyber-attacks yearly, and 70% of those fit in the small to medium category. We encourage companies of all sizes to speak to cyber security consultants and make sure they understand the current threats and what, if any vulnerabilities their company has.
What excites you most about joining the Manchester Digital Community?
We recognise that the tech community in Manchester is one of the most vibrant and active digital communities in the UK to be a part of, and the value of connecting and collaborating with other companies as working together can make us all stronger and more resilient to Cyber Threats.
Learn more about The Rybec Group here.
