Help for businesses facing new AI cyber threats
SMEs across the East of England can benefit from free training from ARU experts
Businesses in the region are being offered help to strengthen their defences against the growing threat of AI-generated cyber-attacks.
Led by cybersecurity specialists from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the support is being delivered through the Cyber Local programme, a national initiative funded by Innovate UK and the Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
As part of the scheme, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across the East of England are being encouraged to take advantage of the free cybersecurity training designed to boost their resilience against emerging AI-powered threats.
The funding received by ARU to lead the training comes as the latest Government data, from the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, shows that 43% of UK businesses, including SMEs, identified a cybersecurity breach or attack in the previous 12 months.
Meanwhile, the UK SME Cybersecurity Threat Report 2025 highlights that AI-driven attacks have emerged as the leading concern among SMEs, with more than a third worried about the risks these threats pose to their operations.
The report also identifies phishing as the most common cyber threat facing UK businesses, with SMEs viewed as attractive targets by criminals who look to exploit human error to bypass security systems.
To address these challenges, ARU’s cybersecurity experts will deliver both online and in-person workshops, which will include hands-on sessions that use examples of real-world AI-driven attacks and effective countermeasures.
SMEs will receive one-to-one guidance to address specific concerns and help them build tailored strategies, and participants will also benefit from a support network that will connect them with academic experts, industry specialists and local cybersecurity clusters.
“Cybercriminals are using AI to automate attacks, create deepfakes and exploit vulnerabilities at an unprecedented rate. At the same time, AI can also be used to help SMEs defend themselves, with automated threat detection, faster responses and more resilient systems.
“The pace of change in cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. We encourage small businesses across the region to get in touch and take advantage of the free support available through the Cyber Local programme.”
Dr Erika Sanchez-Velazquez, Deputy Head of ARU's School of Information Science & SecurityThe scheme also involves MHK, a consultancy company supporting the development of the training materials, Cyber East Cluster and ISC2 East of England Chapter. To register, please visit Empowering SMEs Against AI-Driven Cyber Threats