Falling victim to the devastating consequences of a ‘cyber attack’ is a major concern for all businesses.

But an East Lancashire company is to offer another helping hand later this month thanks to a special interactive event.

Leading cyber security experts Holker IT are joining forces with the NatWest bank to stage ‘Cyber Security for Business’ at the Holiday Inn on Higher Bridge Street, Bolton, on Wednesday November 22nd. Holker IT has previously held a similar event in Blackburn.

Attendees will experience a real-world cyber attack first hand, discover all the different types of attacks and learn how to best protect networks, data, systems and employees.

“Cyber security is very topical and every business is vulnerable to attack,” says Matthew Metcalfe, managing director at Burnley-based Holker IT, a Cyber Essentials Plus accredited company (Cyber Security Essentials is a Government-backed scheme).

“It is imperative that all firms - small, medium or large - take the necessary steps to ensure their computer systems are protected from theft and damage to both hardware and software.”

Adam Clayton, business growth enabler at NatWest, said: “The consequences of a cyber security attack can be costly both to reputation and finances.

“Businesses are very concerned about the situation and with good reason. Long gone are the days when the big threat was a physical break-in, now the theft is taking place via computer systems and businesses are being targeted right, left and centre.

“That is why we have decided to organise this event in Bolton – our third in conjunction with Holker IT, a leader in the field of cyber security. We feel sure it will once again prove very beneficial and urge local business people to join us. Places are limited so the quicker people book in the better.”

The event will start at 8.30am and run for two hours, including time for networking and questions and answers.