Case Study
Connected Programme helps develop Cyber Security offering for Outsource Solutions NI
Outsource Solutions NI (Outsource) was founded in 2000 by Managing Director Terry Moore. Since then Outsource has seen continued growth and now provides a full range of services including; IT support and solutions and integrated Telecoms systems to some of Northern Ireland’s most successful businesses. Their customer base ranges from small scale consultancies to major employers, across a diverse spectrum of sectors.
As a result, Outsource’s capability has grown and expanded - aided by its focus on new technological advances - to enable the monitoring, support and management of users across the continents of America, Europe and Africa. Outsource customers benefit from its value, and results-focused approach. The company takes pride in its hard earned reputation for delivering relevant technology and innovation, on time and on budget. Outsource is one of Northern Ireland’s leading players in the IT and Telecoms sector.
About the Project
ICT is now an integral part of business across all sectors. However this dependence comes at a cost, as there are many criminals with the knowledge to carryout Cyber Attacks on business systems. In the UK during 2015 there were 2.5 million reported incidents of Cyber Crime with an estimated cost to SME’S from £75,000 to £310,000 for the worst breaches.
During 2015 Outsource became aware of an ever increasing stream of enquiries from their Northern Ireland customer base with regard to Cyber Crime. The company decided to complete some research and review the potential for a new IT product for customers around cyber security. It was at this stage that the company were introduced to Belfast Met’s Cyber Security Specialist, Stephen Black. Stephen met with the company at their premises and reviewed their current products and services. They were then able to discuss in depth the potential and logistics of a new cyber security product for the company.
About the Knowledge Provider
Through the Connected Programme, Belfast Metropolitan College recognise Cyber Security to be a critical issue for companies across all sectors. The need for research and analysis in this quickly evolving field is paramount. The college is disseminating this research throughout 2016/17 via a number of Cyber Security Awareness workshops, delivered by Stephen Black, to a wide range of industry sectors and organisation sizes; ranging from Sole Traders to Large SME’s and Government departments.
The Results
As a result of the collaboration between Belfast Met and Outsource it was agreed that there was a business need for Cyber Security products to meet the needs of SME’s in Northern Ireland. Indeed, Kieran Moore, Account Manager at Outsource, has stated that the “engagement and collaboration with Stephen and the Connected Programme has been very timely and opportunistic for Outsource”.
Stephen is currently working with Outsource to upskill key staff on Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities, as part of an ongoing process leading to the development new Cyber Security products to enable their clients to conduct business activities in a more secure environment. Anthony Quinn, Technical Manager at Outsource, has stated that “Belfast Met and Stephen Black have been beneficial in mentoring in cyber security and availing of grants and funding aid in developing of our products and services”. Outsource have expressed an intention to continue collaborating with Belfast Met on a long term basis, and currently are exploring the feasibility of engaging in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.