Electronic giants visit Uni

They came as part of a fact-finding mission into WARP (Warning, Advice and Reporting Point), which is a national initiative sponsored by the Centre for the Protection of the National Infrastructure (a UK Government Agency).

 

WARP is operated in the Midlands by the University in partnership with West Midlands Police and provides early warning of computer vulnerabilities, expert advice and is a point where incidents can be reported and experiences shared in a secure manner.

 

Researcher Chikara Nakae and IT Security Engineer Satoshi Takemoto met with WARP Manager Tony Proctor to discover what the experience has been of operating a WARP.

 

Hitachi is conducting Research into setting up a WARP for Small-Medium Sized Businesses in Japan on behalf of the Japanese Government. Tony said: “It was interesting to hear that they face a similar problem to us in the UK; small to Medium sized businesses that are often unaware of the information security problems they could face and how serious the consequences of a problem could be.”

 

There are currently 18 WARPs in the UK. The University operates the WMC WARP which is for Local Councils in the West Midlands and is developing WARPS for other sectors including Small Business, the NHS and Schools. Hitachi, who have over 300 000 employees have become the first organisation outside of the UK to operate a WARP. Following their meeting with Tony, the Researchers will be talking to Information Security experts in Germany and Greece before flying home to Tokyo.

 

If you are a business in need of general advice on information security or you are interested in finding out more about the WARP, email Tony t.proctor@wlv.ac.uk or telephone 01902 518586.