A gap in the market usually means a business opportunity. But a hole in online defences could be exploited by cyber thieves.

Bob Pointer is a consultant providing professional development specialising in behavioural security in Coleford and is calling on other small businesses in the area to join together to form a safer business forum.

That's why CAP business clubs in Coleford is holding a free event on Wednesday 14th March at the Main Place in the town.

Mr. Pointer said: "A lot of small and medium businesses are worried about the effects of the EU's General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which come into force in May. There is also a lack of basic awareness of the threats firms face from fraud and other unethical behaviour.

"The failure to have adequate safeguards and awareness may prove costly if businesses are hacked and personal data is stolen. I am a member of the CAP business clubs in Coleford and we are hosting a free event in which we will highlight issues of social engineering and hacking/ phishing whilst focusing on the GDPR.

"We want to raise awareness and explore the possibility of forming an FOD security group which would allow local business to access more help and training to protect their businesses and increase productivity."

Police and Commissioner Martin Surl, who was the first PCC in the UK to make cyber security a policing priority said: "With people widely accepted to be the biggest risk for any information system, we need to ensure that businesses in our county have the knowledge and tools to educate their staff, and subsequently reduce their personal risk of falling victim to cyber enabled fraud.

"The education on the risks of social engineering in its many forms and how to create a strong online digital footprint are a continuing part of the Safer Cyber priority. Initiatives such as this, that raise awareness and simplify a sometimes complex topic, are key not only to meeting the local aims but also the national cyber security strategy."