UK CyCOS Pilot Transfers to CIISec and Expands to Seven SME Support Communities (infosecurity-magazine.com)

• CyCOS expands from 2 to 7 communities
• CIISec takes over from academic leadership
• Only 14% of micro businesses aware of Cyber Essentials

"The UK Cybersecurity Communities of Support (CyCOS) pilot, launched in late 2023 by University of Nottingham, Queen Mary University of London, and University of Kent, is expanding from two to seven peer-led communities and transitioning to the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec). The program provides SMEs with cyber support through webinars, AMA sessions, and online platforms. CIISec CEO Amanda Finch confirmed the handover. The expansion will be based on a Community Toolkit for new facilitators. Prof. Steven Furnell noted that awareness of cyber guidance remains low among UK SMEs, with only 14% of micro businesses aware of Cyber Essentials."