Avecto co-founder backs Manchester-based cybersecurity startup

A company helping businesses tackle the global threat of cyberattacks has launched in the North West.

Manchester startup Purplephish, backed by tech entrepreneur Paul Kenyon, is looking to shift the corporate cyber security focus from potentially costly post-crime detection to crime prevention.

The firm provides software-based security awareness training and a simulated phishing platform that could help businesses’ employees prevent cyberattacks.

In the UK Government’s 2017 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, it was found that the majority (72%) of cyberattacks on businesses stem from employees receiving and opening fraudulent emails.

Purplephish investor Paul Kenyon, co-founder and co-CEO of security software firm Avecto, commented: “Cyber security is a rising challenge for UK businesses and will be a huge growth area over the coming years.

“With high profile cyberattacks crippling organisations, such as the Wannacry attack on the NHS last year, the scale of the threat is clear.”

He continued: “Human error and lack of education has been pinpointed in a number of studies, with 80% of businesses not addressing cyber training within their employee base.

“We see a clear opportunity to work with organisations of all sizes, helping them strengthen their approach to such business challenges.”

Speaking further, Paul said: “I firmly believe Purplephish can help shape this market, differentiated by their leading edge technology and unique approach taken to educating end users.”