On Thursday, we welcomed a group of local business leaders to Hexham Golf Club for a morning focused on one of the biggest challenges facing modern organisations: cyber security.
The event brought together real-world insight, live demonstrations, and interactive learning, all aimed at helping North East businesses build resilience in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Setting the Scene – Introduction and Impact of Cyber Crime
The session began with an introduction from Connor Thomas, who delivered an eye-opening talk exploring the true impact of cyber crime – not just on the direct victim, but across the wider supply chain, communities, and individuals affected by the fallout.
Cyber attacks don’t happen in isolation, and the ripple effects can reach much further than most expect. You can read more about this topic in our recent article: How a Cyber Attack Can Have a Multi-Victim Impact.
Inside a Cyber Attack with the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit
Following the introduction, we were joined by the North East Regional Cyber Crime Unit (NERCCU), who offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a cyber attack. Their presentation broke down how cyber criminals operate, the tactics they use, and how their activity continues to evolve. It was an engaging and sobering reminder of why awareness and preparation are so vital for every organisation – regardless of size or sector.
Decisions and Disruptions with NERCCU
Next came the Decisions and Disruptions LEGO simulation, a hands-on exercise that challenges participants to defend a fictional organisation from escalating cyber threats. The game encouraged collaboration, quick thinking, and risk-based decision making, and it sparked plenty of lively discussion around the balance between investment, strategy, and incident response.
Wrapping Up the Day – Hexham Golf Club
After a morning of learning and lively discussion, guests enjoyed a fantastic meal courtesy of Hexham Golf Club – followed by a relaxed round of golf for those who stayed on. It was a great way to close out an insightful and engaging event.
Building Stronger Defences Together, The Importance of Education
We’d like to thank everyone who joined us for the day. Events like this highlight the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in keeping the North East business community secure.
At ITC Service, we’ve spent nearly two decades helping organisations strengthen their cyber resilience. Our comprehensive security packages are built to provide complete protection and peace of mind — helping you stay one step ahead of evolving threats.
If you’d like to learn more about improving your business’s cyber security posture, get in touch with our team or take our free SecureScore Assessment to see how your current setup compares against industry standards.
