Empowering SMEs with AI and Cybersecurity solutions

AI-Cyber Nexus is dedicated to addressing the critical intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), specifically targeting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Manchester.

Tackling key challenges

The AI-Cyber Nexus project is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support SMEs across Greater Manchester in strengthening their cybersecurity practices. By equipping businesses with practical knowledge and tools, we aim to build a stronger regional cybersecurity sector and encourage greater diversity in the field, particularly by increasing opportunities for women.

Our focus is on creating accessible resources that help businesses confidently adopt AI-powered cybersecurity tools while safeguarding their AI systems. Alongside this, we provide tailored, hands-on support to help SMEs develop robust security plans and tackle the challenges of today’s evolving cyber landscape.

Workshops

eLearning

Podcasts

Consultancy

Workshops

The AI-Cyber Nexus workshops are tailored to help SMEs enhance their cybersecurity with the power of AI-driven solutions. Led by industry experts, these sessions provide practical advice, real-world examples, and personalised guidance. With the goal to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to strengthen their digital defences and stay ahead in an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

February 6, 2025

Securing AI in the modern threat landscape

Learn how to protect AI systems from emerging cybersecurity threats in this focused one-hour workshop. Tailored for SMEs, the session covers key topics such as understanding AI vulnerabilities, identifying specific threats, and implementing best practices for securing AI applications.

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A laptop displays data visualization and analytics dashboards in a futuristic, technology-driven environment emphasizing digital innovation and cyber intelligence.

February 13, 2025

AI for Cybersecurity: Empowering SMEs to Stay Secure in the Digital Age

Discover how AI can revolutionise cybersecurity for SMEs in this engaging one-hour workshop. Learn the fundamentals of AI in cybersecurity, explore cutting-edge solutions, and gain practical insights into implementing AI-driven strategies to protect your business.

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Asian female analyzing digital data on futuristic virtual screen

March 6, 2025

AI and Security: Understanding AI Risk and the New Attack Surface

AI is transforming technological capability, but its integration into critical infrastructure, government, defence and enterprise systems introduces unique and pervasive attack surfaces. This session will explore how AI is both a security enabler and a security risk, drawing from our own threat intelligence research to assess real-world AI incidents, their exploitability and impact. We’ll discuss foundational vulnerabilities in AI systems, emerging trends, case studies and provide best practices for securing AI systems.

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System developers analyzing code on wall screen tv looking for errors comparing results on digital tablet

March 28, 2025

Securing the Future of SMEs with AI and Cybersecurity

In an era of increasing cyber threats and rapid technological advancements, how can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) leverage AI and strengthen their cybersecurity posture? This expert panel brings together leading voices in AI, cybersecurity, and SME innovation to explore the evolving threat landscape, the role of AI, and the practical steps SMEs can take to enhance their resilience.

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eLearning

The AI-Cyber Nexus eLearning resources are designed to give SMEs the tools they need to boost their cybersecurity knowledge. Accessible and easy to use, they offer practical examples and actionable guidance, allowing businesses to learn at their own pace. These materials empower SMEs to strengthen their digital security and confidently navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

The Risks and Benefits of Using AI

AI is transforming SMEs by boosting efficiency, decision-making, and cybersecurity, but it also poses risks like bias, misinformation, and security threats. To maximise benefits while mitigating risks, businesses must establish strong governance, audit models, and ensure ethical deployment. Asking key security questions will help SMEs navigate AI responsibly and drive long-term success.

Protecting SMEs in the Digital Age

As businesses go digital, they face increasing cybersecurity risks which can lead to severe financial and operational damage. Cybersecurity is essential for SMEs to protect their operations, build customer trust, and ensure long-term success in an evolving digital landscape. This video highlights the growing adoption of AI by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality.

Guidelines for Secure AI

Artificial intelligence has the power to transform industries and improve lives, but unlocking its full potential requires a strong focus on security. This video explores the unique challenges of AI security and outlines best practices for designing, developing, deploying, and operating AI systems responsibly.

AI-Driven Cybersecurity for SMEs

Technology helps SMEs improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive. However, increased reliance on digital tools brings new cyber threats. This video explains how AI is making cybersecurity more accessible and effective for all businesses.

Guidelines for Secure AI System Development

Discover essential recommendations for creating secure AI systems with the “Guidelines for Secure AI System Development.” Learn how to design, deploy, and maintain AI systems that function as intended, stay available, and safeguard sensitive data. Perfect for developers, data scientists, and decision-makers shaping the future of AI.

Read the Full Guidelines

Podcasts

The AI-Cyber Nexus podcasts provide SMEs with a dynamic way to dive into the latest advancements in AI and cybersecurity. Packed with expert perspectives, real-life examples, and practical tips, each episode is designed to give businesses the knowledge to navigate emerging challenges and enhance their digital resilience.

Build Trust in AI

34 min

How do business leaders build trust in AI? In this podcast, Senior Consultant in AI & Analytics Anna Nguyenova at IBM, shares insight and best practice on what business leaders need to consider to keep their organisations protected and data secure. Hosted by Mirage Islam, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing, during the episode Anna also shares insight on how businesses can adopt AI responsibly and ensure they’re building trust by prioritising safe and secure systems, as well as the opportunities for businesses to adopt advanced technologies to innovate.

Spotify Apple podcasts YouTube

Navigating Cybersecurity in the Era of AI

27 min

What is zero trust architecture? What does it mean to have a zero trust policy? And what can businesses do to protect their data? In this episode, Masuma Shariff, Tech Consultant at Advania UK, discusses the importance of the CIA (confidentiality, integrity and availability) Triad and shares what tools are available to help SMEs ensure their organisation and data stay safe. Masuma talks about her work helping women in STEM and provides ways business owners can make sure they have the right skills and talent from the get-go.

YouTube

The intersection of AI and Security

48 min

In this podcast, we sit down with Harriet Farlow, founder of Mileva Security Labs and a leading expert in AI security, to explore the world of adversarial attacks, ethical hacking, and the urgent need for responsible AI governance. With over 10 years of experience and a PhD in AI Security, Harriet breaks down how AI systems can be exploited, why ethics must be at the core of AI development, and what business leaders need to do now to stay ahead of emerging threats. She also shares insights from her work shaping industry standards and speaking at major events like DEFCON.

YouTube

AI, Cybersecurity & Innovation: Protecting Businesses in the Age of GenAI

Conversation with Steven Peake, Director of Solution Architects Northern Europe at Barracuda
This podcast is coming soon!

Securing the Future: AI, Cyber Threats, and the C-Suite Wake-Up Call

Conversation with Mark Wantling, Chief Infrastructure Officer at The University of Salford. This podcast is coming soon!

Consultancy

The AI-Cyber Nexus project offers free, personalised consultancy to help SMEs across Greater Manchester strengthen their cybersecurity. These one-on-one sessions provide tailored guidance on adopting AI-powered security solutions, safeguarding systems, and refining digital security strategies. With expert advice, businesses can confidently tackle their unique challenges and build a more secure, resilient future.

"Many businesses are at a critical point in their AI journeys and, while the technology presents great scope to drive innovation, efficiency and productivity, it’s essential those at the helm of leading adoption are educated on these opportunities as well as security risks."

Angel Jimenez-Aranda

Associate Professor in Digital Transformation, University of Salford

"As SMEs adopt AI to transform their operations, security of AI must be part of the foundation, not an afterthought. This project will provide practical AI solutions and knowledge to protect their systems, ensuring AI becomes a trusted ally in their growth and success."

Tarek Gaber

Senior Lecturer in Cybersecurity, University of Salford

"AI and cybersecurity are hot topics in today’s business world, but how many organisations truly understand their implications? Effective AI-human collaboration in a security-focused environment requires the active participation of both managers and employees. Additionally, increasing female representation in the field is crucial to fostering a more inclusive and diverse perspective on these critical issues."

Dr Yun Chen

Associate Professor of Business IT, University of Salford

Need further support?

We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s workshops, eLearning resources, podcasts, or consultancy, the AI-Cyber Nexus team is ready to support you.

Just fill out the contact form to let us know how we can help you secure your AI systems and strengthen your cybersecurity with AI-powered solutions.

Together, we’re empowering SMEs across Greater Manchester to create a safer, more resilient digital future. Let’s connect!