Aston University has embarked on an ambitious collaboration with Intercity Technology Ltd, a prominent name in the cybersecurity domain based in the Midlands. The initiative aims to revolutionise how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) approach cybersecurity through the development of an advanced, AI-powered Cyber Assessment Framework (CAFAI).
This project, part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK, leverages the expertise of Aston Business School in cyber, AI, and organisational change to enhance Intercity's existing award-winning cyber assessment framework. By integrating this framework into a generative AI model, the initiative seeks to ensure that businesses have access to cutting-edge tools that can assess and enhance their cybersecurity posture effectively.
The CAFAI model promises to provide significant benefits to high-risk sectors dominated by SMEs, which often face resource constraints when it comes to implementing robust cybersecurity measures. By making cybersecurity assessments more accessible, CAFAI will enable these businesses to make strategically informed decisions, helping them to bolster their resilience against cyber threats.
Lee Doughty, Director of Security and Head of AI Strategy at Intercity, highlighted the broader implications of this development, stating, "We're only as strong as our weakest link. If we increase the threshold for cybersecurity, then we all become, by extension, more secure." He emphasised that the goal is to democratise cybersecurity, taking it beyond the realm of technical experts and making it usable for a wider audience.
Professor Alexeis Garcia Perez of Aston Business School noted the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in modern cybersecurity strategies, saying, "Applying artificial intelligence to the way that businesses and organisations maintain their security is vitally important." He added that the development of a new AI model capable of continuous learning and adaptation is vital to ensure it remains relevant in an ever-evolving cyber landscape.
Aston Business School brings to this partnership a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly through its Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre, which hosts globally-recognised academics tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges. The school is highly active in supporting SMEs, ranking among the top ten in the UK and 66th globally according to the 2024 QS World Rankings for Business and Management Studies.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, like the one driving this project, are fundamental to boosting business competitiveness and productivity by making better use of technology, knowledge, and skills. Aston University, a leading provider of KTPs, stands out in both the quality and volume of its projects, demonstrating its commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and industry application.
This partnership represents a formidable step forward in integrating AI into cybersecurity solutions, proving beneficial for the wider business community by helping safeguard against the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats.
Source: Noah Wire Services